Join the ERC-funded SPHINX team at TU Delft to model how climate physical risks propagate through housing markets and public finances. A fully funded 4-year PhD to develop agent-based and macroeconomic models addressing moral hazard, fiscal strain, and inequality under accelerating climate risks.
Important Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | PhD Position — Systemic Physical Risk for Governments and Collateral Fiscal Damage (ERC SPHINX) |
| Organization/Publisher | Delft University of Technology |
| Work Location | Delft, Netherlands |
| Research Field | Environmental Economics, Spatial Economics, Agent-based Modeling, Climate Risk Analysis |
| Funding Info | Fully funded (ERC Consolidator Grant — SPHINX) |
| Application Deadline | November 23, 2025 |
| Posted Date | null |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Researcher Profile | PhD Student / Early-Stage Researcher (4-year position) |
| Apply Button | Apply Online |
| Required Qualification | MSc in Environmental Economics, Spatial Economics, Computational Science, Geography, Environmental Studies, or Engineering & Policy Analysis |
| Required Experience | Programming (Python, Julia, etc.), simulation methods, statistical data analysis; agent-based or spatial modeling and GIS experience preferred |
| Salary Details | €3059–€3881 gross/month (full-time scale year 1 → year 4) + 8% holiday allowance + 8.3% year-end bonus |
Overview of the opportunity
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position within the ERC Consolidator project “Systemic physical climate risk in complex adaptive economies” (SPHINX). The project investigates how physical climate hazards (floods, storms, heatwaves, sea-level rise, wildfires) can trigger systemic socio-economic impacts through interlinked markets — with a focus on housing markets, public adaptation decisions, and government fiscal vulnerability.
About the organization/lab/university
TU Delft is a leading technical university known for engineering, policy, and interdisciplinary research. The Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management (TPM) combines engineering and social sciences to address complex societal challenges. The SPHINX research team brings together expertise in agent-based modeling, spatial data, and economic analysis, supported by TU Delft’s research environment and graduate school.
Research scope or project area
This PhD focuses on modeling the propagation of physical climate risk into systemic economic impacts and fiscal consequences for governments. The candidate will:
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Develop agent-based models (grounded in Tiebout theory) linking household location choices, preferences for public adaptation, and local government adaptation funding decisions.
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Integrate behavioral and spatial datasets (including household and firm survey results from the SPHINX team) to inform expectations and adaptation preferences.
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Analyze conditions that produce moral hazard, debt stress, collateral fiscal damages, and loss of government creditworthiness under escalating climate risk.
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Explore policy options and thresholds that could prevent regional decline and rising inequality driven by risk contagion.
Eligibility and qualifications
Applicants should hold an MSc (or equivalent) in Environmental Economics, Spatial Economics, Computational Science, Geography, Environmental Studies, Engineering & Policy Analysis, or a closely related field. Candidates should demonstrate:
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Programming proficiency (Python, Julia or similar) and experience with simulation methods.
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Statistical/data analysis skills and familiarity with spatial data/GIS (an asset).
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Experience or interest in agent-based or spatial modeling.
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Strong problem-solving ability and independence.
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Excellent written and spoken English. (Dutch is not obligatory.)
Benefits / Funding details
The PhD is offered as employment for 4 years (two consecutive contracts: initial 1.5 years with a go/no-go assessment, then 2.5 years subject to progress). Salary follows the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities and increases from €3059 to €3881 gross/month across the contract, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. TU Delft provides the TU Delft Graduate School environment, training, relocation support, flexible work options, and a dual-career programme for partners.
Application procedure
Apply online only by 23 November 2025. Upload: motivation letter, CV, list of publications/software outputs (if any), and contact details for two referees. Address applications to Prof. Dr. T. Filatova. Email enquiries may be directed to t.filatova@tudelft.nl, but applications sent by email or post will not be considered. Read TU Delft Graduate School admission requirements for PhD applicants and ensure you meet English proficiency expectations.
Selection process (if applicable)
Candidates will be screened based on qualifications, programming/simulation experience, research motivation, and references. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview; TU Delft performs a knowledge-security risk assessment for final candidates. Successful applicants receive an initial 1.5-year contract and a progress review before continuation for the remaining 2.5 years.
Official reference/source
For more details contact: Prof. Dr. T. Filatova — t.filatova@tudelft.nl. Project information: SPHINX research programme / Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management, TU Delft.
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