PhD researcher on Circular transitions in a global context: The impact of regionally diverse circular consumption patterns on climate change mitigation (1.0 FTE)

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

PhD researcher on Circular transitions in a global context: The impact of regionally diverse circular consumption patterns on climate change mitigation (1.0 FTE)

Job description The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD research position in a joint project between the Environmental Sciences group and the Innovation Studies group. We are searching for an open and curious person with a background in social- or environmental sciences and an affinity for both quantitative and qualitative
research methods.
The transition to a circular economy is widely recognized as a promising solution to address urgent global sustainability challenges like resource depletion and waste generation. Reducing the demand for primary materials can also reduce GHG emissions associated with material production, thereby complementing conventional climate policies such as energy efficiency and shifting to low carbon fuels. However, research on circular transitions often lacks an understanding of the geographical diversity of circular consumption patterns. This is relevant at the micro level as well as at the global level to realistically determine the impact on climate change of different circular transition pathways.
This interdisciplinary PhD project aims to provide the theoretical knowledge and methodological tools needed to accelerate the transition to a just and inclusive circular economy that positively contributes to climate change mitigation efforts. This requires a wide range of activities, including both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Through a combination of desk research and interviews the candidate will analyze what circular consumption practices take place in different geographies and scales, with a particular focus on the Global South. Then, by working with focus groups, narratives are developed that describe how these consumption practices (may) develop overtime across different global regions. These narratives are used to assess the impact of regionally diverse circular consumption patterns on climate change mitigation pathways by implementing them in the IMAGE integrated assessment model.
Throughout this 4-year PhD research trajectory, you will not only contribute to state-of-the-art environmental science and sustainability transitions research, but you will work on your own research portfolio through regular publications in peer-reviewed journals. While learning from experienced supervisors – Dr Laura Piscicelli, Dr Oreane Edelenbosch and Professor Detlef van Vuuren – your aim is to present and defend a thesis by the end of the project, which would grant you a doctorate title.

Qualifications We seek a motivated candidate with a keen interest in the circular economy and the interaction between consumption, material use and environmental impacts. You have experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and ideally some affinity for programming (e.g. with programming languages such as R or Python).
You are interested in interdisciplinary research processes related to global environmental change and feel comfortable exchanging and discussing research findings with researchers from different backgrounds. You can take initiative and are also interested in how science can provide policy-relevant information in complex global environmental challenges. 
We gladly receive applications from candidates who:
• have an MSc degree (or nearly finished) in Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development, Innovation Studies or another relevant discipline;
• have demonstrable experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods; 
• preferably, also have experience with or willingness to learn programming languages such as R or Python;
• have an analytical mindset and excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• are familiar with interdisciplinary research;
• can demonstrate English language proficiency, both written and verbal.

Offer

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 €2,443 in the first year and €3,122 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for 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). More information about working at Utrecht University .


About the organization

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 on major societal themes. Our focus is on the 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.
The Copernicus Institute investigated processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. This transformation is a multidisciplinary process requiring a variety of disciplines. The Copernicus Institute offers a unique multidisciplinary environment in this complex field. The institute is embedded in the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University and consists of five research groups (sections): Innovation Studies, Environmental Governance, Environmental Sciences, Energy and Resources, and the Utrecht Futures Studio. The PhD will be embedded both in the Environmental Sciences and Innovation Studies group. 


Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact: Dr. Laura Piscicelli via [email protected]


Apply

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 below. 
Your application should include:
• a motivation letter explaining your interest in and suitability for the position;
• your curriculum vitae, including the grade for your Master's thesis and overall grade
point average (or equivalent) of your Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
• your Master's thesis (in pdf) or a summary (2 pages maximum) of your latest research;
• the names and contact details of 2 (academic) referees - only to be contacted after
your approval.
Interviews are planned to take place on the first or second week of July 2022.


The application deadline is 20/06/2022

Similar Positions