PhD Candidate in Creating Inclusive Climate Risk Scenarios in Urban Planning using AI

About this job

https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0 About the position The Department of Architecture and Planning (IAP) at the Faculty of Architecture and Design (AD) has a vacancy for a fully funded 4-year PhD position. This interdisciplinary role is offered in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science (IE) and external partners in Norwegian municipalities. We are seeking a candidate motivated to explore the how emerging technologies – such as machine learning, generative AI, and extended reality (XR) – impact societal preparedness planning required to make plans and policies for global risks of climate change. You will be part of a vibrant research environment, specifically anchored within the CREST-GLOBAL research team, which focuses on equitable urban transitions and decision-making under uncertainty and in close interaction with the Software Engineering group of the Computer Science Department. Are you motivated to take a step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities? As a PhD Candidate with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia. Department of Architecture and Planning. The academic supervision team will include Professor Rolee Aranya, Professor Letizia Jaccheri, Associate Professor Mrudhula Koshy and Senior Researcher Ryan Eddings at NTNU The exact composition of the team will be decided on the basis of the proposed research focus of the selected candidate. Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department. About the project The project explores how emerging technologies are reshaping urban planning by positioning humans as critical arbiters of AI-driven methods. A core challenge the project addresses is the integration of "thick description" regarding intersectional vulnerability (race, gender, class) with "big data" related to climate risks. Conventional decision-making often relies on quantitative datasets that can be incomplete; this PhD aims to develop adaptive, flexible methods that account for societal attributes and existing vulnerabilities. Duties of the position Complete doctoral education leading to a PhD degree. Identify case studies where risk and vulnerability intersect and collect relevant spatial and non-spatial datasets. Co-create vulnerability narratives through participatory research methods and stakeholder engagement. Apply spatial modelling tools (e.g., GIS) alongside AI-based techniques to generate risk and vulnerability maps. Analyze and validate AI-generated scenarios against current state-of-the-art urban planning tools to identify and mitigate biases. Develop methodological recommendations for the societal readiness of technology in urban planning. Academic publications and popular science dissemination. Undertaken teaching, or other academic duties, as agreed with supervisor and department management. Participation in and contribution the development of the research group CREST GLOBAL, including future research applications. Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment. Required selection criteria A relevant Master’s degree in urban planning or architecture. Applications from related fields may be considered. Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian Masters, where 120 credits have been obtained at master's level. You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. Masters students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position. Meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme in Architecture. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Quality and focus of the proposed Project proposal – with particular emphasis on the research questions, theoretical perspectives and gaps, and methodological design. The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions for general criteria for the position. Preferred selection criteria Experience with spatial data analysis and integrating qualitative and quantitative datasets using platforms such as GIS and other tools for urban analytics and informatics. Familiarity with AI-based modelling or engineering with urban applications. Knowledge of social justice theories and frameworks, incl

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