Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Policy, Planning and Digital Urban Solutions for the 15-Minute City – France

Institution: ENTPE – National School of Public Works of the State
Research Laboratory: Transport Urban Planning and Economics Laboratory (LAET)
Location: Vaulx-en-Velin, Lyon Metropolitan Area, France
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Duration: 12 months
Starting Date: January 2027
Employment Type: Full-time
Gross Salary: Approximately €2,800 per month
Application Deadline: 30 October 2026

About the Opportunity

ENTPE – National School of Public Works of the State, in collaboration with the Transport Urban Planning and Economics Laboratory (LAET), France, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Urban Policy, Planning and Digital Urban Solutions for the 15-Minute City.

The successful candidate will contribute to the SmartUrbanity research project, an international initiative funded under the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Partnership. The project aims to develop a citizen-centric digital framework to support more accessible, inclusive and sustainable urban planning and decision-making.

SmartUrbanity connects data, digital models, citizens and decision-makers to help translate technological innovation into practical urban transformation. Its activities are being implemented across five pilot territories: Rome, Karlsruhe, İzmir, the Lyon Metropolitan Area and the Greater Zurich Area.

This postdoctoral position offers an opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of urban planning, public policy, digital innovation, governance and sustainable urban development.

About the SmartUrbanity Project

The SmartUrbanity project seeks to strengthen the relationship between digital urban solutions and real-world planning practices. By engaging citizens, urban practitioners, municipalities and other stakeholders, the project aims to improve how cities plan for accessibility, inclusion and sustainability.

The appointed researcher will contribute primarily to Work Package 5 (WP5), which focuses on roadmaps, guidelines, policy recommendations and strategy optimisation. The role will also involve collaboration with other work packages and pilot cities to validate digital solutions and support their practical adoption.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will undertake the following activities:

• Analyse urban policies, planning frameworks and governance conditions relevant to the implementation and adoption of SmartUrbanity solutions.
• Contribute to the preparation of roadmaps, guidelines and policy recommendations based on evidence and lessons learned from the five pilot territories.
• Identify conditions that support the transferability and replication of successful urban planning approaches.
• Support the validation and refinement of digital solutions, including usability testing.
• Collect and analyse feedback from citizens, urban practitioners and other stakeholders.
• Translate research findings into practical tools and recommendations for cities and urban decision-makers.
• Contribute to project dissemination, meetings, international conferences, presentations and academic publications.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and project partners across the international consortium.

Eligibility Criteria and Required Qualifications

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• A PhD in Urban Planning, Spatial Planning, Urban Studies, Transport Planning, Geography, Public Policy or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in urban policy, planning, urban mobility, citizen engagement or related fields.
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, including stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches.
• Experience analysing urban policies, planning strategies or governance processes.
• The ability to translate research findings into practical recommendations and policy-oriented outputs.
• An interest in applying and evaluating digital solutions for urban planning and decision-making.
• The ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary and international research teams.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Salary and Employment Conditions

The position offers the following conditions:

• Monthly gross salary: Approximately €2,800.
• Contract duration: 12 months.
• Expected start: January 2027.
• Working hours: Full-time.
• Work location: ENTPE, Vaulx-en-Velin, within the Lyon Metropolitan Area, France.

The successful candidate will join LAET and ENTPE and have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers, municipalities, technology developers, urban practitioners and other stakeholders across five pilot territories.

Required Application Documents

Interested candidates should prepare the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated academic CV highlighting relevant research experience, qualifications and publications.
2. Proof of PhD defence: Documentation confirming completion of the PhD defence.
3. Cover letter: A letter explaining the applicant’s motivation and relevant experience for the position.
4. Two published scientific articles: Publications demonstrating expertise in relevant research areas.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by email to:

Email: isabel.cunha@entpe.fr

Application deadline: 30 October 2026

Candidates should submit all the required documents before the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their experience in urban policy, sustainable planning, citizen engagement, digital urban solutions and interdisciplinary research.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This postdoctoral position is particularly relevant to researchers interested in sustainable urban development, the 15-Minute City concept, urban governance and digital approaches to planning. It offers an opportunity to contribute to an international research initiative that connects academic research with the practical challenges faced by cities.

The role may be suitable for candidates with backgrounds in architecture, urban planning, transport planning, geography, urban studies and public policy who want to contribute to more accessible, inclusive and sustainable cities.

Vacancy Summary

Important: This vacancy post is based on the supplied recruitment document. Applicants should confirm any additional requirements directly with the recruiting institution before applying.