The department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning is searching for an early career academic in international development studies, human geography, and linked social science disciplines. The ideal candidate will have special expertise in land and climate investments and social and climate justice in the context of sustainability transitions and development.

Your job
You will join the International Development Studies (IDS) Group at the department. Embedded in the Urban Futures research programme and actively engaged in Utrecht University’s strategic research themes: Pathways to Sustainability, Institutions for Open Societies, and Dynamics of Youth, IDS has specialised in understanding ‘development’ in particular places from translocal and transnational perspectives, in a context of rapidly changing flows of capital and of people. Looking at the world as an interconnected place, an important starting point for our approach is an understanding that 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 investment 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.

You have previous research activities, including project acquisition and publication record reflecting a strong interest and proven expertise in the field of critical development geography, development sociology and the related discipline. We are especially interested in applicants with a research profile focusing on developmental issues related to politics of land, natural resources and climate change, which shapes global investments in infrastructure, extractivism and conservation and their impacts in various geographies in particular in the Global South, including Asia, Africa and Latin America. We welcome researchers with experiences of co-creating knowledge with academic and societal partners at a global scale to further develop our transdisciplinary research agenda. In particular, those who have affinity with and interest in developing research agenda for equitable and sustainable land governance in the context of climate change are welcome, as a part of the IDS’s contribution to the LANDac network.

You have demonstrated experience in teaching both individually and as part of the team. Affinity to conducting and teaching empirical research, and quantitative and mixed methods is desired. You will also co-develop and coordinate courses in the Dutch-taught Bachelor programme in Human Geography and Spatial Planning and in English taught Master programme in International Development Studies as well as in Research Master in Global Urban Transformations. For this reason, language proficiency in both Dutch and English is required.

The position involves 60% teaching and 40% research time.

As an assistant professor, your core tasks include:

• teaching Bachelor's and Master's level courses;
• Bachelor's and Master's thesis supervision;
• research, project acquisition and publishing and generating societal impact;
• PhD supervision;
• building and strengthening research and education networks within and outside Utrecht University in the field of International Development.

We believe in a balance between individual and collective achievements. Therefore, we will assess candidate’s qualifications both on individual and team performance. We stimulate inclusive academic leadership at all levels.

We are looking for a colleague who meets the following criteria.

• You have a PhD in International Development Studies, Human Geography, Spatial Planning, or a related discipline.
• You are proficient in both Dutch and English.
• The preference is for candidates who can teach quantitative and/or mixed research methods skills.
• You have strong personal leadership skills: you are self-reflective, a clear communicator, and able to give and take responsibility.
• You have a clearly defined research line and publication strategy.
• You have demonstrated ability and potential to acquire external funding.
• You have field research experience in the Global South, including Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and/or Latin America.
• You have good social skills and are able and motivated to collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines.
• You have a University Teaching Qualification (Dutch or foreign equivalent) or are willing to acquire this certificate within two years.

We offer:

• a position for 18 months with the prospect of a permanent contract, following positive evaluation;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €4,332 and €5,929 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow. 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. Shaping science, sharing 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.

For more information, please contact Professor Kei Otsuki at K.Otsuki@uu.nl.