Researcher Nature-Based Adaptation in Urban Landscapes

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

We are looking for

Are you fascinated by the interaction between nature, climate change and urban areas? Do you have experience with integrated planning and design of nature-based adaptation strategies for climate adaptive and biodiverse cities? And, are you trained in environmental studies, urban planning, landscape architecture, social geography or climate change studies? Then you may be the ideal candidate to join Team Climate Resilience at Wageningen Environmental Research!

In 2020, Wageningen University and Research published a nature-based vision for The Netherlands in 2120 and just recently, Arnhem 2120 . We are looking for a researcher who is enthusiastic to develop nature-based solutions (NbS) to support the transition towards climate adaptive and nature-inclusive cities within and outside the Netherlands.

As a nature-based adaptation specialist you will work in urban areas in the Netherlands as well as abroad. Your task includes:

  • Planning and co-designing innovative NbS in close collaboration with local authorities, urban planners and other stakeholders to make cities more robust in the face of increasing weather extremes;
  • Developing NbS by integrating biophysical, social and cultural aspects of urban landscapes in combination with leading-edge technology on water management, green infrastructure and sustainable energy use;
  • Developing evidence based knowledge on the potential of NbS for climate mitigation & adaptation, and biodiversity;
  • Identifying opportunities and barriers for accelerating and scaling NbS;
  • Contributing to the acquisition of a sustainable national and international project portfolio. 

You will primarily work in complex urban governance settings involving multiple stakeholders. The work process will be science-based and user driven, and integrates biophysical, ecological, social, climate, technical  and governance knowledge. You will make use of a research-by-design approach to explore the potentials of NbS in close collaboration with partners.

You will actively contribute to the strategic programmes

Green Climate Solutions

and

Green cities

. You will be member of a larger network of scientists within WUR working on this topic. Participation in national and international networks will be encouraged. 


We ask
  • a university degree (MSc) in environmental sciences, climate change, urban planning, landscape architecture, social geography or related studies;
  • experience in co-designing nature-based adaptation strategies and solutions in complex urban governance settings;
  • experience in the use of a research-by-design approach  
  • experience in the integration of biophysical, ecological, climate and social aspects in urban landscape planning;
  • experience in analysing the effectiveness and robustness of NbS;
  • experience in project acquisition – having a customer-oriented attitude;
  • excellent writing and oral communication skills in Dutch and English for diverse audiences
  • a great teammate who can both work independently and in close collaboration with colleagues, partners, stakeholders and research funding agencies

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

  • working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
  • the option to accrue additional compensation hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
  • sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
  • there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
  • a fixed December bonus of 4%;
  • excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a gross monthly salary between €3.527,- and €5.479,- based on a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the

CLA Wageningen Research

(scale 11). The appointment is for minimally 32 and maximally 36 hours per week, for a period of 24 months. In case of good functioning and if future research financing allows, there is a possibility for a permanent position after 2 years

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a multi-faceted position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief , known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about housing, schooling, and other issues.


More information

For more information about this position, please contact Annemarie Groot, team leader Climate Resilience, [email protected] : tel +31 6 5171 6934.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Edgar Tijhuis, corporate recruiter, [email protected]

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including Monday October 17th 2022.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page . A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment .


We are

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Team Climate Resilience
Our team Climate Resilience conducts applied research on the consequences of climate change for society and ecosystems. We closely collaborate with stakeholders on climate smart solutions and opportunities that make use of or are inspired by natural processes. We approach climate change challenges in conjunction with issues in the field of biodiversity, food security, mobility and energy. Our nature-based solutions not only contribute to climate resilient cities, landscapes and food systems, but also to biodiversity and quality of life. We also work on climate information services. We use recent climate models and data to map the effects of climate change on society and to visualise the potential for smart adaptation and mitigation solutions. We work in urban and regional landscapes, both in the Netherlands and internationally for policy makers, local authorities, the agri-food sector, and rural and urban planners.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.



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