PhD - Measurement and modeling of urban verticality in Africa — EPFL
- Location
- Lausanne
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide.
The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation.
The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.
- EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide.
- The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation.
- and responsibilities
- Build a harmonized database of urban verticality for the three cities (Dakar, Kigali, Luanda) since 2000;
Main responsibilities
- and responsibilities
- Build a harmonized database of urban verticality for the three cities (Dakar, Kigali, Luanda) since 2000;
- Develop a data processing pipeline to extract building heights at different points in time;
- Conduct targeted photogrammetric analyses and integrate geolocated crowdsourced images (Flickr, SenseCity) to supplement satellite data at the meso level;
- Compile “building profiles” (quantitative approach): measuring height, density, footprint, and temporal evolution for approximately 10 buildings per city. Required Profile Education
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in geomatics, geography, data science, environmental engineering, quantitative urban planning, or a related field;
- Strong interest in African cities and sustainable urban development issues. Technical Skills
- Proficiency in remote sensing (satellite image processing, GIS, photogrammetry);
- Programming skills for geospatial analysis: Python (rasterio, geopandas, scikit-learn) or R; experience with Google Earth Engine is a plus;
- Experience with open-source tools (QGIS, GRASS GIS, GDAL) and spatial databases. Soft Skills
Application process
- Application
- Applications (in French or English) must includ
Additional details
- VERTICAF’s scientific contribution is threefold: (1) to develop methods for measuring verticality and its impacts in data-scarce contexts, in Africa and elsewhere; (2) to document, both theoretically and empirically, the interactions between vertical growth, capitalism, governance, inequality, and everyday life; and (3) to co-design more sustainable and inclusive models for the future of African cities, which will represent a major challenge for global governance by 2100. Contract duration: 48 months
- Location: Switzerland (EPFL), with fieldwork assignments Start date: 02/2027 Tasks and responsibilities
- Compile “building profiles” (quantitative approach): measuring height, density, footprint, and temporal evolution for approximately 10 buildings per city.
- Strong interest in African cities and sustainable urban development issues.
- Experience with open-source tools (QGIS, GRASS GIS, GDAL) and spatial databases.
Notes and original content
- VERTICAF’s scientific contribution is threefold: (1) to develop methods for measuring verticality and its impacts in data-scarce contexts, in Africa and elsewhere; (2) to document, both theoretically and empirically, the interactions between vertical growth, capitalism, governance, inequality, and everyday life; and (3) to co-design more sustainable and inclusive models for the future of African cities, which will represent a major challenge for global governance by 2100.
- Information
- Contract duration: 48 months
- Location: Switzerland (EPFL), with fieldwork assignments
- Start date: 02/2027
- Thesis Topic
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Technical Skills
- Soft Skills
Questions about this listing
What salary does EPFL offer for this role?
EPFL lists CHF 60'500 - 91'500 gross per year for this position in Lausanne. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does EPFL offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with EPFL during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Vaud?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Vaud can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Vaud's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at EPFL?
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