Accelerated urbanization, in particular in the Global South, is challenging urban and regional planners who have to develop new ways of planning and governing the city to respond to the fast-changing dynamics, increasing complexities and uncertainties. There is an urgent need to shift from sectorial to integrated, strategic planning and develop participatory approaches to co-create urban development plans, but also to provide an economic account of planned interventions to design economically sustainable and financially viable urban development, in addition to social and environmental concerns.

This position will broaden the department’s expertise on strategic spatial planning with an emphasis on the economic dimension of urban planning and development and the appreciation of participatory as well as geo-spatial approaches.

You will conduct international high-quality research on selected issues within the field of strategic spatial planning, such as land use planning, and further develop your research expertise and network in that field. You will teach Master’s level courses, supervise MSc theses and contribute to the development of educational modules and new educational approaches. You will supervise PhD students in conjunction with a departmental professor. You will engage in the acquisition of research funding and be open to undertake research and capacity development projects in cities in the Global South. You are willing to undertake management and administration tasks within the department. You will also initiate education projects.

• You possess a PhD in the field of spatial planning or urban and regional planning with a focus on the economic dimension of urban development.
• You have an excellent publication record in the field of spatial planning or urban and regional planning.
• You also have skills in and an understanding of the use of geo-spatial technologies in spatial planning.
• You have some experience in or affinity with participatory planning and decision making
• You have knowledge of or affinity with the urban context in the Global South.
• You have an aptitude for teaching, including lecturing and tutoring at an academic level.
• You have a track record in attracting funds to support your research.
• You have an affinity with a multi-cultural, post-graduate education environment.
• You have a willingness to undertake international travel to less developed countries.
• You have an excellent command of English. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn Dutch is an advantage.

Information and application

Additional information about this position can be obtained from Prof. Karin Pfeffer (e-mail: k.pfeffer@utwente.nl). You are also invited to visit our homepage.

Please submit your application before 16 September 2018 (choose “apply here” below). Your application must include (i) a motivation letter clearly stating how you meet the selection criteria and also outlining your research and teaching interests and (ii) a detailed CV with references.

We offer an inspiring and challenging international environment. You will be employed for two years. Prolongation of the contract after this period is a possibility.

• Gross monthly salary between € 3.475,- and € 5.405,- depending on experience and qualifications (job profile Assistant Professor level 2 or 1)
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development
• A solid pension scheme
• Possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave
• Minimum of 41 holiday days in case of full-time employment

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente provides international postgraduate education, research and project services in the field of geo-information science and earth observation using remote sensing and GIS. The aim of ITC's activities is the international exchange of knowledge, focusing on capacity building and institutional development in developing countries and emerging economies.