Postdoc Researcher: Mental Models of Nature-Based Solutions

Utrecht University invites applications for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary project, ARE BEST NbS project, focused on advancing the understanding of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) through a mental model approach.

Your job
You will play a pivotal role in mapping stakeholders’ perceptions of the benefits of NbS for biodiversity, human well-being, and societal transformation toward biodiversity recovery. You will work with an international consortium of researchers and stakeholders using a standardized, cutting-edge online software tool, M-Tool (van den Broek, 2021). This role offers an opportunity to contribute to pioneering research that will inform policy and practice for NbS implementation across Europe.

The key responsibilities include:

• leading the design and implementation of the mental model mapping process for diverse stakeholder groups, including local businesses, policymakers, and communities in case study regions (Portugal, Denmark, Hungary);
• using M-Tool to aggregate and systematically compare mental models across stakeholder groups and NbS academic experts;
• conducting interviews with stakeholders to populate the M-Tool and ensure the robustness of the standardised calibration process;
• analysing mental model data to identify discrepancies, inaccuracies, and differences in perceptions across stakeholders;
• collaborating with international research teams in the project to integrate findings into broader analyses of NbS preferences, benefits, and policy support;
• presenting results through reports, scientific publications, and presentations at international conferences;
• co-creating actionable recommendations for fostering stakeholder engagement in NbS development and implementation;
• 10% of the position consists of teaching relevant courses.

You bring the following qualifications:

• a PhD in environmental psychology, ecology, conservation science, or a related field;
• strong quantitative analysis skills, ideally with proficiency in R;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
• a proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

It is an asset if you also bring multiple of the following qualifications:

• familiarity with Nature-Based Solutions, biodiversity recovery strategies, or human-nature interactions;
• experience with mental models, stakeholder engagement, or participatory research methods;
• qualitative data analysis skills;
• experience with cross-cultural or multi-country research collaborations;
• the ability to speak one or more European languages relevant to the case study regions;
• experience in teaching.

We offer:

• a position for three years;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,378 and €5,331 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 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.

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.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

Interviews will take place on 5 and 6 February 2025.