The PhD position is part of the project “Energieeffiziente Stadt Delitzsch” (http://uni-leipzig.de/~effstadt/cms/) and located at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ in Leipzig, Germany.

The PhD candidate is expected to acquire and analyse data of spatial patterns of population dynamics and urban form in different European cities and develop conceptual agent-based models on residential mobility. These models help to explain observed patterns in different types of cities (like shrinking and expanding cities but also segregation patterns). The modelling approach encompasses a conceptual description, calibration and validation of the model(s). Furthermore, the PhD student should assist in building an empirical model for the city of Delitzsch.

Requirements:
Applicants should have a background in scientific fields such as social geography, system science, (geo)-ecology, landscape ecology, environmental / social modelling or environmental sciences. Analytical thinking and a strong interest in modelling are required. Software skills in at least one programming language (preferably Java) and GIS as well as solid background in statistics (possibly advanced statistics and pattern analysis in R) are an advantage. Ability for working in an international interdisciplinary team is obligatory. The willingness to learn basic German is required, as basic language skills are necessary for the project.

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