Introduction

The University of Camerino invites expressions of interest from postdoctoral researchers wishing to apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 in the field of urban climate, environmental analysis, and climate adaptation. This research opportunity is hosted by Prof. Roberta Cocci Grifoni at the School of Architecture and Design and focuses on data-driven strategies for climate-responsive urban environments, with particular attention to small and medium-sized cities and historical contexts.

Supervisor

Prof. Roberta Cocci Grifoni is Associate Professor in Technologies for Architecture at the University of Camerino. She holds a background in physics and applied physics and has more than thirty years of experience in environmental applied physics and urban climate analysis. Her research focuses on outdoor environmental quality, energy efficiency in buildings, urban heat island assessment and mitigation, and nature-based solutions for thermal comfort. Her work integrates GIS, simulation tools, and data-driven approaches to support climate-sensitive urban and territorial planning. She has participated in numerous national and European research projects, including INTERREG, LIFE, PRIN, PNRR, and Erasmus+, addressing climate change adaptation, urban resilience, and climate-health interactions.

Research Group and Facilities

The research is hosted at the School of Architecture and Design in Ascoli Piceno within a data-driven and experimental environment dedicated to environmental and energy control technologies. The SaadLab Energy laboratory supports research on indoor and outdoor environmental quality and building performance through instrumentation for thermophysical analysis, environmental monitoring, and comfort assessment.

The research infrastructure is being further strengthened through the development of the QuAbit Laboratory and the ADA Data Observatory, which provide advanced computational resources for modelling, simulation, and analysis of urban and territorial systems. These facilities enable the integration of climatic data, GIS platforms, and simulation tools to support climate adaptation strategies.

The research group is embedded in national and international networks focused on climate change, urban resilience, and sustainable architecture, and collaborates with universities, research centres, and public administrations. These collaborations support research activities connected to climate adaptation plans, green infrastructure, and data-driven planning approaches.

Research Topic and Project Idea

The project, entitled “Climate-Responsive Urban Environments: Data-Driven Adaptation Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Cities”, addresses the development of climate adaptation strategies for urban environments, with a focus on Mediterranean cities and historical urban contexts. The research investigates how urban form, microclimate, and building performance influence heat exposure and related environmental stressors.

The project combines field monitoring, numerical simulations, and data analysis through advanced infrastructures such as the ADA Data Observatory. It aims to test adaptation and mitigation strategies, including nature-based solutions, energy retrofitting, and digital tools for urban analysis. The objective is to develop evidence-based guidelines to support municipalities and stakeholders in climate-resilient urban planning, integrating quantitative modelling with design approaches and contributing to European climate policies.

Candidate Profile and Career Development

The position is suitable for candidates holding a PhD in architecture, urban planning, environmental engineering, applied physics, or related disciplines, with experience in urban climate analysis, environmental monitoring, spatial analysis, or modelling approaches. A background in quantitative methods and simulation tools is considered relevant, as well as the ability to work in interdisciplinary and international research environments.

The fellowship will allow the candidate to strengthen competences in environmental analysis, data-driven modelling, and climate-sensitive planning, while also gaining experience in translating research results into planning tools and strategies in collaboration with public administrations and stakeholders.

Apply now

Apply now at Unicam for your MSCA Fellowhip.  
If you need further information please contact the supervisor Prof. Roberta Cocci Grifoni - roberta.coccigrifoni@unicam.it