Growing population, urbanization and building ambitions lead to rendering of space and land. Actions upon climate adaptation and renaturing of cities and landscapes, upon energy transition, upon circularity of the economy, and upon balanced farming still need to be fit in. The footprint of humans already exceed the carrying capacity of space and bio-physics. Evidence shows us that leaving it up to the market as dominant governing mechanism will not lead to satisfying outcomes. And such might endanger a fair and inclusive society.

We hope to welcome a scholar who embraces the challenge to understand this agenda, to share knowledge within and outside of science, and contribute to governance of what we call, 'Rural-Urban Systems' and issues of concern due to ongoing 'rurbanization'.

Your responsibilities

We expect to build a research line on 'Rurban' sustainable development that includes both problem- and theory-guided research on, for example, implications of 'rurbanization' and roles of relevant actors, factors and sectors in it; the impact of modern sectoral innovations; the role of markets, networks, organization and self-organization as governance mechanisms, and of various public and private actors. You will advance research and education of the University through continuous improving of your own expertise, exploring novel research methods, engaging in supervision of graduate and doctoral students, and joining interdisciplinary teams. Through interactions with colleagues, diverse societal groups, policy makers, or citizens, you share your expertise to build fair and inclusive society.

Team and role

We seek an enthusiastic motivated teammate, with an open mind-set for collaboration within and across own field, while exploring our existing approaches. The position is hosted in the section of Governance and Technology for Sustainability (CSTM) of the department of Technology, Policy & Society (TPS) of the faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS).

You will join our team and take a leading role in the CSTM Regional Sustainable Development ('Rurban') research line. You will explore opportunities to join the TPS 'Rurban Innovations' platform, BMS research programmes, and the Design Lab and BMS Lab.

• academic background in a relevant scientific field, such as geographic economics, policy science and transition studies, or another domain (if a fit in expertise, methodology and experience is evidenced);
• vision and professional drive to improve sustainability and resilience in rurban systems;
• good reputation in the scientific community in the field of research, with successful engagement in (inter)national networks and projects, and applications for (inter)national grants and funded projects;
• passion for teaching at different levels;
• portfolio of international reputation in both theory-guided research and problem guided research, shown by your published and not published yet research;
• expertise in diverse research methodologies and willingness to bridge this diversity;
• affinity with modeling and design and keen curiosity about novel spatial and data-driven research methods;
• team engagement and good communication skills, with willingness to work in a multidisciplinary environment;
• interests in mentoring of early career colleagues;
• experience in successful supervision of doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers.

Extra preferred skills include C2 level of command of English, and a certificate of University Teaching qualification.

We offer a full-time position as Professor with a competitive salary and excellent employment conditions! We are a family friendly institution, offering support for dual hiring. We stand for work-life balance and safe work climate as our values.

• excellent research facilities in our TPS department within the BMS faculty;
• extra's such as an 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance;
• minimum of 29 holiday days in case of full-time employment;
• an attractive pension scheme;
• possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave;
• talent development programs.