The Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning at Utrecht University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Just Transformations towards Climate Resilient Cities and Regions ( 0,8 – 1 FTE)

Our ambition with this Assistant Professorship is to contribute to the research and teaching at the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, especially in the sections of International Development Studies and Spatial Planning.

We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate with relevant knowledge and field experience in making cities and city regions more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable in combined climate and biodiversity crises and persisting and widening inequalities globally. Particularly relevant in this position  are the spatial dependencies and divisions between urban regions and within regions  , in close relation to the implications of peoples' livelihoods in the face of environmental change, as well as how to move in the direction of climate resilient and sustainable urban futures.

Special attention will be given to better understanding:

• how various urban groups are affected by the combined climate and biodiversity loss crises and/or climate change-related policies and investments;
• how people cope with risks and extreme events;
• how to support climate vulnerable regions and groups in having a safe, climate resilient and sustainable futures.

The desired interests and expertise for this position should include interconnected urban transformations related to at least some of the following:

• knowledge about livelihood dynamics in climate-vulnerable regions;
• issues of migration, displacement, and resettlement governance while focusing on those who stay (non-migration);
• knowledge about climate adaptation and mitigation policies, planning, and practices;
• transformative governance and planning in cities and city-regions;
• inclusive development and planning for climate-resilient cities addressing vulnerability, social and/or environmental justice. We are interested in applicants interested in intersectionality and intergenerationality in urban transformations, assessing the implications of various investment plans, planning practices, and shifting institutions.

The position involves 50% teaching and 50% research.

We welcome applicants with a research profile and teaching ideas focused on urban development's human-centred approaches and institutional and governance dimensions in the context of just transformations. The position requires profound knowledge that spans international development, urban planning and governance, urban and environmental social sciences, and climate change theories and approaches. As an Assistant Professor you will teach, among others, courses in the new research Master's programme on Global Urban Transformations and collaborate across sections of the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, as well as the UU-wide strategic themes such as Fair Transitions, Transforming Cities, Open Cities and Critical Pathways to Sustainability.

We believe in a balance between individual and collective achievements. That’s why we assess 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 hold a completed PhD in International Development Studies, Urban/Environmental Planning, Human Geography, Political Science, Policy Studies, and Sustainability Science and the related disciplines;
• You have transdisciplinary research skills, evidence of empirical field research in diverse settings, mixed method approaches, and ethical research practices;
• You have experience in international collaborations and field experience, especially across the Global South (vital);
• You have published as a ( lead) author in international peer-reviewed journals;
• You have experience with acquiring external research funding (at any role);
• You are able to work both independently and in a team; You have excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• You have teaching experience according to the career stage;
• You have a University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or are willing to acquire one within two years;
• You are proficient in English ( C1 level) and willing to acquire Dutch language skills. We believe that understanding and speaking Dutch makes it easier to connect with colleagues. Therefore,  we offer free language courses.

We offer a position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) for a period of 18 months in an international working environment with the prospect of permanent employment. Upon good performance, according to the faculty’s performance indicators, the position will become permanent after 18 months.

You will receive guidance for your teaching and research tasks and training and support regarding the acquisition of external funds. We will support you in developing your academic career.  The Faculty of Geosciences has a professional career and promotion policy. In addition, you will have access to all equipment in our state of the art laboratory infrastructure.

The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €3,974 and €5,439 (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.

Sharing science, shaping tomorrow. 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.

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 has its focus on the enhancement of long-term economic developments of cities, how to cope with social inequalities, and how to accelerate sustainability transitions of cities and infrastructures. Research on these topics takes place within our research programme “Urban Futures: Transitions Towards Economic and Social Sustainability for Cities”.

Our research programme is the basis for our two year Research Master's programme in Human Geography, the two-year Master's programme in Geographical Information Management and Applications, and the one-year Master's programmes 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 characteristic of the department are the attention for innovations within teaching methods and its strong involvement in the transdisciplinary sustainability research theme.