The department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning at Utrecht University is looking for a postdoc researcher to work in a Horizon Europe research project on the relationship between the Twin Transition and inequalities.

Your job
The ST4TE project investigates the impact of the green, digital and twin transition on inequalities among individuals and territories on the one hand and, on the other, to explore the way in which existing inequalities affect the transition paths creating cycles of inequalities and slow transition.

You will engage in the following research tasks:

1. to identify the emerging technologies that contribute to the two transitions;
2. to map the twin technological capabilities of European regions and cities to identify different pathways of transition;
3. to map green, digital and twin scientific capabilities of European regions and cities;
4. to assess the degree of overlap between the scientific and technological base of regions in Europe (green, digital, twin).

You will work closely with Professor Ron Boschma and Dr Pierre-Alex Balland and become a member of the international consortium, including the universities of UNI-MERIT, Ferrara and Gran Sasso Science Institute, among other partners. You will (co-)organise consortium meetings and lead in making and presenting research outputs.

You are an enthusiastic and motivated researcher who has:

• a PhD degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as economic geography, human geography, sustainable development, or transition studies;
• excellent academic skills and demonstrated experience concerning quantitative data collection, analysis and interpretation, stakeholder engagement, and research ethics;
• in-depth knowledge of and/or strong affinity with studies in digital and green transition, regional studies, economics of innovation, and (evolutionary) economic geography;
• demonstrated experience in publishing academic work;
• an excellent command of the English language and strong (academic) writing skills;
• an ability to work both independently and in a team;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

We offer:

• a position for two years;
• a gross monthly salary between €3,226 and €5,090 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.

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 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 Human Geography, the two-year Geographical Information Management and Applications Programme, and the one-year master 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.