The department of Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management (PGM) of ITC works on the linkage of geospatial technologies with both Urban Planning & Management and Land Administration. The department views the role of people as stakeholders in all processes as crucial and seeks to support governance decisions for the sustainable future of urban regions and their hinterlands, based upon an understanding of past and present developments. The key focus of our work is on developments in the global South which are related to global challenges, as described in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Within the focus of ITC’s work, the claims for sufficient and secure food, water, energy, health, land and housing are important elements. These resources are desired by all but are not always sufficient to satisfy all demands. This means that there is scarcity (sometimes overall, but certainly at national or more local scales). In most societies today, (scarce) resources are traded through markets which assign them a monetary value. Economics deals with the value, trade and distribution of such scarce resources. Even though the world is increasingly realizing that there are important non-monetary values to (esp. natural) resources, the economic dimension is critical to resource management issues.

To ensure a full pallet of relevant disciplines linked to PGM’s focus areas of urban planning and land administration, we are looking for a person who can bring an economic perspective to enhance the understanding of the urban and land development processes. That perspective will also contribute to other fields, for instance, payments for ecological services (mainly in the NRS department) and disaster risk assessment (mainly the ESA department).

You will conduct high quality research in (a part of) spatial economics and contribute to research networks addressing economic issues in the global South. You will teach Master’s level courses, supervise MSc research and contribute to the development of educational modules and new educational products (such as blended learning and distance learning packages). You will supervise PhD students in combination with a departmental professor. You will initiate, acquire and implement new research, education and consulting projects for the department, adding an economic perspective that will contribute to a broader and more successful project portfolio. You will undertake management and administration tasks within the ITC faculty.

You should:

• Possess a PhD in spatial economics, land economy/valuation, urban economics or have a combination of degrees covering (parts of) this.
• Understand how economics interplays with urban and/or land development processes, and relate to social and ecological values.
• Have authored scientific publications covering some of the above.
• Have broad basic knowledge of the thematic fields of the department and the faculty.
• Have an aptitude for teaching, including lecturing and tutoring at an academic level.
• Have a track record in attracting funds to support your research.
• Have an affinity with a multi-cultural, post-graduate education environment.
• Have undertaken consulting and advisory services in or including less developed countries.
• Be willing to undertake international travel to less developed countries.
• Have an excellent command of English. Knowledge of or willingness to learn Dutch is an advantage

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

Additional information about this position can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Richard Sliuzas (e-mail: r.sliuzas@utwente.nl) You are also invited to visit our homepage.

Please submit your application before 22 March 2020 (choose “apply here” below). Your application must include (i) a motivation letter outlining your research and teaching interests and (ii) a CV with references.

We offer an inspiring and challenging international environment. You will be initially employed for two years. Prolongation of the contract after this period is a possibility.

• Gross monthly salary between € 3,637.- and € 4,978.- (depending on experience and qualifications, job profile Assistant Professor, level 2)
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary
• A year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
• A solid pension schem
• Possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave
• Minimum of 41 holiday days in case of full-time employment

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation using remote sensing and GIS. The aim of ITC's activities is the international exchange of knowledge, focusing on capacity building and institutional development in developing countries and emerging economies.