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.

Big geodata generated and used by governments, global corporations and human sensors has rapidly become an important tool to tackle challenges in international development and humanitarian action. Its use along with other big data may lead to analytical and ethical oversights affecting vulnerable people and their assets, especially in the global South, where legal protection may be ineffective, if it exists at all. Critical geodata studies analyses the consequences of big (geo)data use on how we are governed and live our lives, while geodata ethics evaluates ethical dilemmas related to geodata, machine learning algorithms and social practices to support fair, accountable and transparent solutions. This position will broaden the ITC faculty’s expertise on relevant geographic information technologies and the obligation to report, explain, and justify the use of modern forms of geodata analytics and, consequently, neutralize potential harms in the global South.

You will conduct international quality research in critical geodata studies and geodata ethics and contribute to or amplify the Faculty’s research networks in the global South. You will teach Master’s level coursework, supervise MSc theses 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 also engage in acquisition and implementation of consulting tasks for the department, undertake management and administration tasks within the ITC faculty and initiate and acquire new research and education projects.

Depending on your prior (post-PhD) experience and track record, you may enter our Tenure Track system at any of its stages, and – with enough progress – move on to higher levels over time. A full professorship is the final aim. For specific information about ITC’s Tenure Track policy see: https://www.itc.nl/about-itc/career-at-itc/vacancies/ and https://www.utwente.nl/en/hr/career-professional-development/talent-development/tenure-track/.

• You possess a PhD in computing, geo-computing, and related social sciences and humanities (SSH), including law and philosophy of technology;
• You understand how a social and institutional context interplays with geospatial technologies;
• You have an appropriate publication record in the field of critical data studies, data ethics, data justice, surveillance studies, (locational) privacy studies, design justice, among others;
• You have broad basic knowledge of the thematic fields of the department a/o faculty;
• An aptitude for teaching, including lecturing and tutoring at an academic level;
• Evidence of attracting funds to support project activities (education, research, capacity development);
• Affinity with a multi-cultural, post-graduate education environment;
• You have undertaken consulting and advisory services in or including less developed countries;
• You have a willingness to undertake international travel to Low and Middle Income countries;
• An excellent command of English. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn Dutch is an advantage.

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

Additional information regarding this position can be obtained from Prof. Karin Pfeffer (email: k.pfeffer@utwente.nl). You are also invited to visit our homepage.

Please submit your application before 30 April 2020 (choose “apply now” below). Your application has to include (i) a motivation letter clearly stating how you meet the selection criteria and also outlining your research and teaching interests, (ii) a detailed CV with references and (iii) a two-page statement on your personal vision on research, education and capacity development in relation to ITC and the position. Applications that do not include all three will not be considered.

First round interviews will be held on 15 May 2020.

A public guest lecture to the ITC-staff will be part of the selection. A development assessment could be part of the selection also. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

We offer an inspiring and challenging international environment. You will be initially employed for a period of seven years (Tenure Track position, if you start as Assistant Professor 2), according to proven expertise and skills.

• Gross monthly salary between € 3,637.00 and € 6,133.00 depending on experience and qualifications (job profile Assistant Professor level 2 – Associate Professor level 2).
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
• A solid pension scheme
• Possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave
• Minimum of 41 holiday days in case of full-time employment
• Professional and personal improvement programmes, including mentoring;
• A high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other university staff is strongly supported.

With the Head of Department, you will agree upon expected performance and personal development targets. You will receive formal feedback on performance and skills during annual assessment meetings and evaluations. If evaluated positively at the end of the Tenure Track, you will be appointed in a permanent position.

During your career, you will have the opportunity to develop into an internationally acknowledged and recognized academic. We offer a structured career and personal development program designed to offer individual academics as much support as possible.

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.