The Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University is interested in attracting an early career academic in the fields of international development studies, geography, migration studies and linked social science disciplines. The candidate will join the International Development Studies group at the department. Embedded in the Urban Futures programme, IDS has specialised in understanding local development in a context of rapidly changing flows of capital and people. Looking at the world as an interconnected place, an important starting point for our approach is that rather than depending essentially on ‘local resources’, livelihood opportunities are to a large extent determined by trans local relations, development corridors and development chains; what occurs in one locality will to a large degree depend on what is occurring in other places or, more precisely, on how local agencies interact with external (e.g., global, regional) forces. Focusing on the crossroads of migration and investments flows, we analyse the consequences of new flows and circulations (of people, goods, capital and knowledge) for inclusive and sustainable development in Asia, Africa and Latin America, focusing on the implications for sustainable livelihoods and human wellbeing.

The position involves 60% teaching and 40% research time. Core tasks include:

• teaching our Bachelor's and Master's courses;
• Bachelor's and Master's thesis supervision;
• research, project acquisition and publishing;
• PhD supervision;
• building and strengthening research and education networks in the field of international development.

Our preferred candidate should have demonstrated experience in research acquisition, publications and international teaching. We are looking for candidates with an innovative research line who can complement the strengths in the group and the department. We specially encourage candidates with experience in Latin America, the Middle East or the Northern Africa region. We are especially interested in candidates with demonstrated experience in either of the following areas:

• transnational mobilities, health/wellbeing and population dynamics;
• trans-local care networks, life course and development;
• skilled migration, youth, education and employment.

Affinity with teaching quantitative and mixed methods is required. We also expect the candidate to co-develop and coordinate courses in the new Bachelor's programme in Human Geography and Spatial Planning.

Your profile:

• a PhD in human geography, planning or international development studies (or related disciplines);
• experience in teaching at Bachelor's and Master's level;
• a clearly defined research line and publication strategy;
• demonstrated ability and potential to acquire external funding at National and European level;
• fluent in English with a passive knowledge of the Dutch language and you are willing to acquire a good active knowledge of the Dutch language within two years;
• good social skills and you are able and motivated to collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines;
• demonstrated ability to teach quantitative and mixed methods;
• in possession of the Basic Teaching Qualification Certificate (Dutch or foreign equivalent) or you are willing to acquire this certificate within two years.

For the tenure track we offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for six years based on a 4-year qualification programme for permanent employment. Your performance will be subject to annual evaluations as well as an end-term evaluation after 3.5 years. Following a positive evaluation - based on the faculty performance indicators - your employment will become permanent after four years, or sooner depending on the moment you qualify. In case the 3.5-year evaluation is not satisfactory, the contract will be terminated. An extension after the first four years to the maximum of six years is exclusively possible for the purpose of compensation of maternity or parental leave or other recognized delays. Further career development to Associate Professor (level 2) is possible, depending on your qualification.

The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €3,746 and €5,127 (scale 11 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including the choice for a good balance between work and private, possibilities for your personal development, an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

 

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Department of Human Geography and Planning has its focus on the enhancement of long-term economic developments of cities, how to cope with social inequalities, and how to accelerate sustainability transitions of cities and infrastructures. Research on these topics takes place within our research programme “Urban Futures: Transitions Towards Economic and Social Sustainability for Cities”.

Our research programme is the basis for our Research Master's Human Geography and Geographical Information Management and Applications and Professional Master's in Spatial Planning, Human Geography and International Development Studies. The Department also runs a large and highly appreciated Bachelor's programme and is part of the Netherlands Graduate School of Urban and Regional Research for PhD candidates. Unique characteristics of the department are a special team focusing on innovations within teaching methods, its strong involvement in the transdisciplinary sustainability research theme and professional consultancy for public partners.