UREN PER WEEK: 36 tot 40
FACULTEIT OF DIENST: Faculteit Geowetenschappen
AFDELING: GEO / Dept SD
UITERLIJK REAGEREN OP: 4 mei 2023
Functie
Are you interested in nature-based solutions (NbS) and in how nature-based solutions were developed and implemented around the globe? Are you eager to collaborate with partners in the Global South, specifically Indonesia, to unravel their view on nature-based solutions for coastal defense? Are you able to work at the cross-section of ecology and governance?
At the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, we have a full-time four-year PhD position to answer those questions. This position offers opportunities and expertise from both the Environmental Sciences and Environmental Governance sections within the institute. This transdisciplinary research project aims to unravel the ecological and governance potentials and limits of NbS in Indonesia and redefine the concept and the use of NbS to ensure resilience and sustainability. The PhD researcher will use the decolonization lens to understand the historical roots of the NbS concept and how it has been adapted to Global South contexts. Ecological restoration and socio-ecological system governance will be used as umbrella concepts, where interactions between societal and ecological systems become the core ‘issues to govern’. As such, the narrative of nature-based solutions as a panacea will be explored, tested, and challenged. For an impression, please visit the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development on our social media channel.
Empirically, the PhD researcher will focus on the conceptualization and implementation of NbS in the Global South as a product of knowledge transfer from the North. The research will focus on the case of mangrove NbS in Indonesian densely populated coasts that are prone and vulnerable to climate impacts and disasters and suffering from rapid mangrove degradation. This research will contribute to the expansion of empirical knowledge on deltas and coastal ecosystems in the Global South.
The PhD researcher will identify existing NbS strategies, ecological and governance boundaries and evaluate the understanding and implementation and define the potentials and limits of the NbS strategies. In doing so, the PhD researcher is expected to work beyond interdisciplinary cooperation (combining ecology and governance) and use transdisciplinary research methods, considering the full range of stakeholder engagement processes. This includes informing, consulting and involving, and co-creation with stakeholders in identifying general perceptions, feasibility, applicability, and effectiveness of NbS.
The PhD researcher will be responsible for employing a mixed-methods approach, consisting of an analysis of the biophysical feasibility of mangroves and spatial distributions, mapping of stakeholders and analysis of governance interactions using a decolonization lens. This PhD position will be based at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. The position includes multiple fieldwork campaigns in Indonesia. 10% of the PhD researcher’s time is reserved for some teaching duties.
Profiel
For this project we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a background in geography, ecology, environmental sciences, sustainability science or related fields with strong knowledge of ecological concepts and affinity with governance concepts. The PhD researcher should have quantitative and qualitative (mixed-method) research skills, including interviews, content and/or discourse analysis, basic statistical analyses, and basic skills in interpreting and analyzing remote sensing data and Geographic Information System (GIS).
We are open to candidates from varied backgrounds with a strong motivation to learn new methods and do research in meaningful and authentic collaboration with Indonesian partners. Fluency in English is required and basic Bahasa Indonesia to facilitate communication with stakeholders is an asset. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with Global South contexts, including organizing and conducting fieldwork. All are encouraged and welcome to apply and will be considered.
Aanbod
You will be offered a temporary position (1.0 FTE), initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. The gross salary ranges between €2,541 in the first year and €3,247 in the fourth year of employment (scale P 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.
In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.
Over de organisatie
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 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. It is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical centre externe link of Utrecht.
The research will be carried out within the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. This institute aims to have a positive impact on the transition to a sustainable society. We do this by developing excellent and relevant knowledge and by educating change agents of the future. We collaborate with citizens, politicians, policy-makers, NGOs and firms to learn from each other and influence decision-making. We work in interdisciplinary teams and have organised our research around three cross-topical themes and five sustainability challenges. The themes, governance, modelling and transitions, represent our signature and cover central aspects of sustainability research and policy. The five topical sustainability challenges, circular economy, sustainable energy, sustainable food, sustainable land and sustainable water, highlight our research strengths. The PhD candidate will work within two of the main research sections of the Copernicus Institute: Environmental Sciences & Environmental Governance.
Aanvullende informatie
For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Annisa Triyanti (Assistant Professor) at a.triyanti@uu.nl with a copy to Dr. Ralph Temmink externe link (Assistant Professor) at r.j.m.temmink@uu.nl externe link.
Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.
Solliciteren
Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation via the ‘apply’ button.
To allow equal opportunities for applicants from different parts of the world, interviews are planned to take place online in the fourth week of May or first week of June.
Uiterlijk reageren op 4 mei 2023.
