Doctoral student

Doctoral student in Spatial morphology, focusing on Street-building interface We invite applications for a full-time doctoral student position at the Division of Urban Design and Planning, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. You will be part of the Spatial Morphology research area (SMoG), an international group of researchers exploring the links between urban form and urban life (smog.chalmers.se). About us The Spatial Morphology Group (SMoG), where the doctoral student will be based, focuses on describing spatial form, that is, the configuration and character of the built environment, through rigorous analytical frameworks. The aim is to describe and predict the impact of spatial form on human activity, which opens up possibilities for exploring broader social and economic themes such as social segregation and sustainable markets. The Division of Urban Design and Planning conducts research and education across all scales of urban development, from individual spaces to entire regions, focusing on how urban design and planning can support sustainable development. Within the division, three main research areas are distinguished: spatial morphology, spatial processes, and critical theories. About the research project The project investigates the street–building interface and its impact on street liveliness and liveability. The street–building interface, comprising the physical and social threshold between private and public space, has been recognized as a critical factor shaping both street liveliness (for example pedestrian flows and social interaction) and urban liveability (for example perceived safety and sense of place). However, most previous research has focused mainly on commercially active frontages, overlooking the diversity of interface conditions found in mixed-use, residential, and transitional contexts. This project aims to describe, map, and classify street–building interfaces beyond the concept of “active frontage.” The work will employ 3D visualization, geospatial analysis, and statistical clustering methods to develop a typology of interface conditions. The doctoral student will also lead an empirical study assessing how different interface types affect street liveliness and liveability, including the collection and analysis of observational data on pedestrian activity, social behaviour, and perceptual qualities of the street environment. Who we are looking for To qualify for the doctoral student position, you must hold a Master’s degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits in Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, Urban Analytics, or a closely related field. You are expected to have knowledge and experience in Urban Morphology, with an emphasis on quantitative and spatial analytical methods. Experience in GIS-based mapping and spatial analysis of the urban environment, as well as competence in data processing and visualization, is required. Experience in 3D modelling of urban form is also essential. Additional merits that will be considered: • Programming skills in one or more of the following: Python, SQL, R, JavaScript • Experience with statistical analysis methods (for example clustering analysis, regression analysis, ANOVA) • Experience in observational mapping and empirical data collection in urban environments • Familiarity with Space Syntax theory and methods The position requires strong verbal and written communication skills in English. What you will do The main responsibilities include: • Using 3D visualization, geospatial mapping, and spatial analysis to describe and analyze the street–building interface • Developing a classification of interface types using statistical clustering methods • Collecting, documenting, and analyzing empirical data on street conditions and urban life (liveliness and liveability) • Statistically assessing how the street–building interface influences street liveliness and liveability • Synthesizing theoretical and empirical insights to advance understanding of how interface morphology influences urban experience • Publishing and presenting research findings in scientific journals and conferences The doctoral student may also be involved in teaching activities as appropriate (up to 20% of full-time employment). Contract terms • The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start. • The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years. • A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025). • Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn. What we offer • As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits for employees. • A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. • Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg. Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in. Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here. Application procedure The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. CV Personal letter • A brief introduction about yourself. • A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position. Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts. Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. Application deadline: 20 December, 2025