The department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning at the Faculty of Geosciences has a vacancy for an Assistant Professor, as part of the ambition to further develop teaching and research activities of the Economic Geography section.

Your job
The Economic Geography section specialises in teaching and research connected to the Evolutionary Economic Geography programme, where staff members are internationally recognised leaders. Current projects and expertise cover topics with scientific and societal relevance, including regional inequality, sustainability and regional innovation policies, regional resilience, institutions and regional development. The section also specialises in quantitative methods and the use of big data.

We are looking for candidates with the enthusiasm and ability to connect people and themes in both research and teaching. The Economic Geography section is highly collaborative and welcomes candidates that are equally open to collaboration and teamwork.

In terms of research, you will contribute original research that can complement and extend current specializations. You will also be embedded in our Department research programme, focusing on three main thematic areas:

1. spatial inequalities and spatial justice;
2. the spatiality of the digital transition; and
3. urban and regional transformations towards sustainability.

Your research can connect to (one of) Utrecht University’s strategic themes, in particular Institutions for Open Societies and Pathways to Sustainability.

You will teach in our Bachelor's and Master's programmes and contribute to coordinating and innovating existing courses, while also initiating new educational activities.

Additionally, you are expected to contribute to the acquisition and execution of externally funded projects. This task will be related to your ability to create societal impact with your research and teaching, for instance by engaging with regional and national policymakers and/or actively contributing to societal debates.

It would be great if you have an original research line that can complement the strengths of the group and department. Except for that, you function well within a team and you value interdisciplinary collaboration. Within that, you proactively seek opportunities for new projects and for increasing the visibility of our research group. You also have teaching experience and are willing to engage in educational innovation at both the Bachelor's and Master's level.

Except for that, you have:

• a doctoral degree (PhD) in economic geography, or a closely related discipline;
• a promising track record of research achievements, including publications and acquisition of funds;
• proven expertise in quantitative methods;
• experience in teaching;
• strong personal leadership skills: you reflect on your actions, you are a clear communicator and able to give and take responsibility;
• a University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or similar teaching qualification, or are willing to acquire such qualification within two years;
• social and communication skills and the ability and motivation to collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines;
• fluency in English, a passive knowledge of the Dutch language is welcome, together with the willingness to acquire a good active knowledge of the Dutch language within two years.

Your vision on research and teaching will specifically be considered by the selection committee. Research and teaching records will be weighed against the number of years of academic experience, also considering (parental) leave and part-time appointments.

We offer:

• an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative, international and dedicated team that offers guidance in both your teaching and research tasks;
• a position with an equal share of research and teaching for the first 18 months, which will shift to 60% teaching and 40% research thereafter;
• a position for 18 months with the prospect of permanent employment - upon good performance according to the faculty’s performance indicators the position will become permanent;
• 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 pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, we encourage you to grow and support work life balance. That’s why Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions such as professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. The University’s International Service Desk will provide support to new international faculty members with an onboarding process, as well as provide career services for their spouse. 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 developments of cities and regions, how to cope with spatial inequalities, and how to understand the spatiality of transformations related to digitalization and sustainability. Research on these topics takes place within our research programme and forms the basis for our Research Master Global Urban Transformation. 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 characteristics of the department are a special team focusing on innovations within teaching methods, its strong involvement in the transdisciplinary sustainability research theme and professional consultancy for public partners.

For more information, please contact Professor Ron Boschma at r.a.boschma@uu.nl and Professor Carolina Castaldi at c.castaldi@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.