Job Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences - Post-doc researcher Knowledge Co-Production (f/m) (1,0 fte)

The post-doc researcher works in the research project INSPIRATOR (Integrated analysis of the Science-Policy Interface in Research projects on global change and sustainability: implications for AcTORS involved in the co-production of knowledge). The project will be done in close collaboration with ICIS-Maastricht.

The research proposal examines experiences with knowledge co-production and the use of co-produced knowledge by decision-makers. A typology of knowledge co-production in the science-policy interface will be developed, based on existing classifications, as well as normative criteria to assess the effectiveness of co-production. The typology and criteria will be tested qualitatively through an evaluation of completed (inter)national projects in the field of global change and sustainability.

The researcher will also participate in processes of knowledge co-production in ongoing research projects of the “Knowledge for Climate” and “Sustainable Earth” programmes. The results of the analysis will be presented and discussed in special focus groups. To further generalise and quantify our results a Q-sorting survey will be carried out among the actors involved in the co-production processes studied in this project, as well as other researchers and policy makers that have not been involved. The project will result in an empirically validated typology of knowledge co-production, in practical insights into the opportunities and drawbacks of co-production in issues of global change and sustainability, and recommendations for actors involved in the interface between science and policy.

Candidates should have their doctorate and a proven record of publications. We ask for a team player with a multidisciplinary background either in the social sciences or sciences with a proven interest in the science-policy interface. Candidates are expected to disseminate the results through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.

We offer a full-time position (1,0 fte) for 2 years.

The salary ranges (depending on track record) from € 2,744.- to € 3,315.- gross per month. The salary will be supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition we offer a pension scheme and flexible employment conditions.

Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities.

The Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research concerning the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2,200 students (BSc and MSc) and 575 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The faculty is organised in 4 departments:

• Innovation and Environmental Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Physical Geography
• Human Geography and Planning

The Copernicus Institute (Department of Innovation and Environmental Sciences) investigates and develops processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. The institute thus seeks to contribute to the development of knowledge and techniques as well as methods and instruments in the field of sustainable development, taking note of related social debates and policy processes. It is the ambition of the institute to make a difference – in science and education, and in society at large – in the exploration of a sustainable world. ICIS researchers in the natural and social sciences work together in pursuit of solutions to real world problems. Such integrative studies involve analysis of the causes, effects and the mutual interlinkages between economic, environmental, institutional and socio-cultural processes associated with a specific environment or complex issue (e.g. tourism, health, water, mobility). These interdisciplinary analyses complemented with participatory processes involving stakeholders usually form the basis for the development of visions and long-term strategies.

Interested candidates can contact Dr Carel Dieperink for a more detailed research proposal, e-mail: c.dieperink@geo.uu.nl.