PhD Position on 'Agent-Based Modeling for Empowering Citizen Collectives in Societal Transitions

Want to explore how citizen collectives can drive societal change? Join us as a PhD in using AI-powered agent-based modeling to design adaptive governance for climate and societal challenges.

Job description

This PhD position focuses on using agent-based modeling (ABM) to explore the lifecycle of community initiatives, as part of the ECCO project (Empowering Citizen COllectives in societal transitions). ECCO investigates how citizen collectives—grassroots organizations formed by citizens working together on shared goals—can become powerful drivers of societal change in areas like housing, work, income, and sustainability. You'll explore how these collectives can partner effectively with governments to address today's most pressing challenges, from climate change to social inequality.

This PhD research will develop adaptive institutional design principles for citizen collectives (CCs) throughout their lifecycle. You'll use cutting-edge AI-powered agent-based modeling combined with Large Language Models to create context-sensitive governance frameworks that address different developmental stages of CCs.

Your role:

• Conduct three in-depth case studies, develop sophisticated simulation models, and co-create practical tools with CCs through interactive workshops.
• Transform theoretical governance principles into actionable, evidence-based recommendations that CCs can immediately apply.
• Conduct collaborative research with citizen collectives through participatory methods.
• Develop and validate agent-based models using real-world data.
• Present findings at interactive research days and stakeholder events.
• Produce at least 3 high-level journal articles, policy briefs, and infographics.

Job requirements

• A master's degree in policy, environmental sciences, sustainable development or another field that provides domain knowledge in the field of coupled social-environmental systems.
• Previous experience with agent-based modelling or other simulation approaches is required.
• Completed a well-written master's thesis which demonstrates comfort with conceptual abstraction as well as practical application of scientific knowledge.
• Experience with quantitative research methods and data analysis is required.
• Experience with using LLMs is a plus.
• Excellent written and spoken command of English (C2 or above).

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Faculty Technology, Policy & Management

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information

For additional information about this project feel free to contact Dr. Amineh Ghorbani (a.ghorbani@tudelft.nl).