We are seeking a PhD researcher to investigate the transformative learning experiences and outcomes for young people by connecting with nature on campus. The research will involve multiple actors, including students, student associations, business actors, and National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Your job
You will theoretically innovate and empirically deepen the understanding and evaluation of transformative learning (pathways, outcomes, and experiences) from engaging with biodiversity in urban spaces and university campuses. The PhD research will result in a review of the learning experiences and outcomes, including shifts in mindsets and paradigms of young people, and new people-nature connections. The research will result in a critical examination of what, and how transformative learning takes place, with a focus on different biodiversity enhancing measures, and a new conceptual framework on how to transform university campuses to living labs enhancing people-nature connections.

You will be supervised by a team of supervisors as part of the Marie-Curie Training Network.

• Host institution: Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
• Supervisory team: Professor Niki Frantzeskaki (PhD main supervisor, Utrecht University), Dr Katharina Hölscher (PhD co-supervisor, Utrecht University), Professor Huiwen Gong (PhD co-supervisor, University of Stavanger), Janny Straatsma (secondment host, City of Utrecht).
• Enrolment in Graduate School: Graduate School of Geosciences, Utrecht University.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience (Essential):

• You hold a Master's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Social Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Policy Studies, or Sustainability Science, or related disciplines by Spring 2024.
• You did not reside or carry out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account.
• You have excellent research skills and ethical practices, including the ability to gather, analyse and interpret qualitative data, experience in conducting and analysing structured and semi-structured interviews, large and small workshops, focus groups, and participatory research activities.
• You have an excellent command of the English language (in both written and oral form).
• You have the ability to work both independently and in a team.
• You are a proactive and motivated person, eager to participate in network-wide training events, international mobility, and public dissemination activities.
• You have good time management skills and ability to balance between the PhD and the research project demands.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience (Desirable):

• an excellent command of the Dutch language (in both written and oral form);
• experience in publishing, as lead author, at least one paper in a conference or in a high-quality, international peer-reviewed journal;
• knowledge of European environmental policies;
• willingness to acquire new skills as required for the required research of the PhD project.

We offer:

• a temporary position, initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

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 strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

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 urbanisation. The Department’s ‘Urban Futures’ research program 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 that 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 in 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.