The Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning has developed the challenging ‘Urban Futures’ research programme. In this programme faculty members from different subdisciplines of Human Geography and Spatial Planning work closely together on topics like the governance of urban and regional sustainability transformations, urban infrastructures, urban inequalities and diversities, transnational mobilities, economic resilience and networks and flows in and between urban regions. The department is responsible for the undergraduate programme in Human Geography and Spatial Planning, for a number of graduate programmes like Spatial Planning, Human Geography (urban and economic geography), International Development Studies and GIS, as well as the Research Master's in Human Geography and Spatial Planning. Our ambition with this Assistant Professorship (tenure track) is to further develop the ‘Urban Futures’ programme through innovative contributions from urban and regional planning. We are searching for an ambitious new colleague whose previous research activities and publication record reflect a strong interest and proven expertise in the field of urban and/or metropolitan governance and planning. We are especially interested in applicants with a research profile focusing on spatial planning, planning law, land policy and regulations of the planning system in the Netherlands (e.g. the Omgevingswet) and the role of spatial planning in urban/regional sustainability transformations. Additional expertise planning methods are an advantage. 
Potential research activities and teaching topics include, for example, urban renewal and regeneration policies, the implementation of the 'Omgevingswet', urban sustainability transformations, ecological urbanism and urban degrowth, the national and international housing crisis, urban and regional containment strategies, planning challenges involved in the promotion of nature-based solutions, infrastructure renewal and/or circular economies. For the position an extensive knowledge on the Dutch spatial planning system as well as international experience are expected. The successful candidate will teach, among others, introductory courses on urban and regional planning in the Netherlands as well as planning studios. Therefore being able to teach in Dutch is a prerequisite.

We are looking for a colleague who shows leadership and who initiates new research projects within the ‘Urban Futures’ research programme as well as in the university’s ‘Pathways to Sustainability’ or ‘Institutions for Open Societies’ research programmes, both independently and in collaboration with other researchers of the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning and external partners. The Assistant Professor will have teaching tasks in the Bachelor's and Master's programmes. We envisage a position with an equal share of research and teaching for the next two years of appointment.

We seek a highly motivated candidate who holds a PhD in urban and regional planning or in a related field from a renowned research university. If you:

• have a proven expertise in the fields of spatial planning and its role in addressing key sustainability challenges of cities and urban regions;
• have extensive knowledge of the Dutch system of spatial planning and ideally collaborate with stakeholders in the Netherlands;
• have experience in conducting academic research leading to high-quality publications;
• have relevant international experience, demonstrated by strong networks, participation in international conferences and research activities;
• see added value in collaborating in inter- and transdisciplinary research projects;
• are able to acquire research funding in competition;
• have proven expertise in teaching Bachelor's and Master's students, are willing and confident to teach subjects beyond your niche of expertise, and to supervise planning/geography students from undergraduate to PhD level;
• have a Basic Teaching Certificate (BKO) or similar teaching qualification, or are willing to acquire such a qualification as soon as possible;
• are able to demonstrate excellent English language proficiency. We require a qualification English at C1 level (CEFR or comparable to level 3 of the Lecturer Assessment Grid) or prepared to obtain this level by training;
• are proficient in the Dutch language and are comfortable teaching in Dutch at undergraduate level;
• are a team player, have strong communication and didactic skills and are looking forward to contributing to, and collaborating with different disciplinary groups within and outside our department, we encourage you to apply. Utrecht University is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in research, teaching and administration. 

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for six years. During this tenure track qualification period you will be given the opportunity to qualify for the position of Assistant Professor 1 and a permanent employment contract. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €3,807 and €5,211 (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 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 Spatial Planning investigates sustainability challenges in the context of an ongoing worldwide trend of increasing urbanization. The department’s ‘Urban Futures’ research programme focuses on the enhancement of long-term economic developments of cities, the inclusion and social inequalities in relation to transnational mobilities, the health outcomes of urban living as well as on the governance and planning of sustainability transformations of cities and urban regions. It develops novel theoretical and empirical approaches which are not solely at the forefront of academic debates but also create new perspectives on successful policies and interventions to address urban challenges.

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.