PhD Position in Climate-Resilient Walkability and Urban Heat Adaptation

The School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg (HEIA-FR), a member institution of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO), offers bilingual study programs at the BA and MA levels.

The Smart Living Lab at HEIA-FR and EPFL are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the interdisciplinary research project COOLWALK – Reinforcing Walkability in City Centres in the Context of Climate Change. COOLWALK investigates how urban heat islands and climate change affect pedestrian mobility and urban walkability. The project combines urban climate science, mobility analysis, human-centered design and data-driven modelling to develop innovative methods for assessing and improving pedestrian comfort in cities under future climate conditions. The research is conducted through a collaboration between the School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg (HEIA-FR) and EPFL, in connection with the University of Fribourg and several public and private partners. The PhD candidate will contribute to the development of new tools and methodologies linking thermal comfort, pedestrian behaviour and urban design strategies for climate-resilient cities.

The position is based at the Smart Living Lab in Fribourg and co-supervised by Prof. Marc Vonlanthen (HEIA-FR) and Prof. Andrew Sonta (EPFL / ETHOS Lab).

Mission and Scope of Activities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on urban walkability, thermal comfort and climate adaptation
• Develop and test simulation methods linking pedestrian behaviour and urban heat exposure
• Lead field measurements, urban experiments and participatory workshops
• Analyse spatial, environmental and behavioural datasets
• Lead and contribute to academic and professional publications and conference presentations
• Collaborate with academic, public and professional partners involved in the project
• Contribute to teaching and mentoring activities

Your profile

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as urban planning, civil engineering, architecture, environmental sciences, geography, mobility studies, data science or related disciplines
• Strong interest in sustainable cities, climate adaptation and active mobility
• Experience or interest in data analysis, simulation, GIS or urban modelling
• Ability to work across disciplines and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Strong motivation for academic research and scientific writing
• Strong experience with programming, urban simulation or environmental modelling
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills, good French oral and written communication skills is a plus

We offer

• A stimulating interdisciplinary research environment at the Smart Living Lab in Fribourg
• Joint supervision between HEIA-FR and EPFL
• Opportunities to work on real-world urban challenges with public authorities and practitioners
• Access to international scientific networks and conferences
• A dynamic and collaborative working environment
• Competitive salary and employment conditions according to Swiss standards

Additional information

• Fixed-term employment contract : 4 years
• Activity rate : 100 %
• For details, contact Marc Vonlanthen, Associate Professor UAS, Tel : +41 26 429 67 33
• Job starting date : January 1, 2027 or to be agreed
• Application deadline : August 30, 2026

Interested? Send in your complete application (cover letter, CV and copies of diplomas and work certificates). Click on the Apply («Postuler») button below to get started.