PhD Candidate “Socio-technical decision making in building resilient housing and settlements”

22 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Twente (UT)

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

29 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Are you thrilled to find out what, where, and when assistance is effective to enhance disaster resilience of the built environment in the global south? Are you willing to explore decision making processes related to disaster-resilient housing and settlements in the global south?

Then join our team to explore what makes a difference! This project answers the call for more evidence about reconstruction decisions of vulnerable groups and the wider impact of housing assistance on people’s lives.

In this project, you will provide evidence to understand why decisions and assistance do not always result in safer houses and settlements. Currently, reconstruction efforts are often hampered by factors such as resources and access to technical knowledge. Governmental or humanitarian support is often insufficiently personalized to needs of households. Your project will seek to understand generic and individual systems of decision-making. Your investigation of decision-making should inform effective humanitarian and governmental assistance to build resilience with respect for local knowledge and construction practices.

Your research methodology will preferably be innovative and transdisciplinary to be able to consider the social, technical, and political dimensions that accompany the issues related to housing and post-disaster settlement reconstruction. The research methodology could include mixed-method data collection considering both qualitative and quantitative approaches such as serious games, participatory methods, stakeholder engagement, citizen science, household surveys, key stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, stakeholder mapping, or geospatial and participatory hazard mapping. Secondary data from global or national repositories can be combined with the collected data. Data could be analyzed by for exploring linkages between factors developing through advanced statistical analysis. Your method will be tested and improved empirically in close collaboration with local partners. We believe it is beneficial for the success of the PhD project if you have a close understanding of the culture and language of the study area and a network with governmental and humanitarian actors that assist in the reconstruction process. Therefore, we have not predefined the case study area. However, you need to select two case studies of areas affected by multiple hazards (floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes).

You will be trained to produce high-quality in peer-reviewed journals. You will be guided to create active outreach throughout your research process on social media and other outlets. It is expected that PhD candidates spend about 20% of their time engaging with teaching or department duties (this can also include advising MSc students). The PhD candidate will elaborate a research proposal that will be evaluated 6 to 9 months after the start by a Qualifier committee. The PhD project will be closely related to the research work of the main supervisor Dr Eefje Hendriks.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• An MSc in disaster or crisis management, communication science, architecture and planning, behavioural science, human geography, sociology, psychology, environmental science, or related fields but with a social science orientation, or a related field preferably obtained no longer than 5 years ago.
• Curiosity on academic writing, and proficiency in written and spoken English and language skills suitable for the case study area.
• Good communication skills.
• Knowledge of concepts such as societal transformation, disaster resilience and (re)construction relevant to the research outlined.
• Affinity for using innovative mixed-methods research, preferably with experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• A team-oriented mentality, and ability to collaborate with others in field research and high-quality publications.
• Proactive, hands-on, and self-driven attitude, taking ownership of research and seeing it to completion.
• A team-oriented mentality, proactive, hands-on, and self-driven, taking ownership of research and seeing it to completion, including high-quality publications in collaboration with others.
• Availability for periods of research abroad

Additional Information
Benefits

• An inspiring multidisciplinary, international, and academic environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda.
• Full-time position for 4 years
• A professional and personal development programme within Twente Graduate School
• Gross monthly salary of € 2,770.- in the first year that increases to € 3,539.- in the fourth year
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3 and a %
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development
• A solid pension scheme.
• A total of 41 holiday days per year in case of full-time employment
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.
• A professional and personal training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
• Costs for moving to Enschede may be reimbursed.

Additional comments

For more information, you can contact Dr Eefje Hendriks (e-mail: [email protected] ). You are also invited to visit our homepage .

Please submit your application before 30 March 2024 including:

• A motivation letter (maximum 2 A4 pages) emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references

If you are shortlisted by the Selection Committee, you will be asked to submit the extended outline of an initial project idea that fits with the theme outlined in this vacancy (you should already briefly indicate this idea in your letter of motivation). Then interviews will be held with the strongest applicants, according to the Selection Committee.

The projected start date for this position will be between 1/9/24 and 1/10/24.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/338101/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Twente

Country

Netherlands

City

Enschede

Postal Code

7522NB

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/338101/phd-candidate-socio-technical-decisi…

Contact

City

Enschede

Website

http://www.universiteittwente.nl/

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Postal Code

7522 NB

STATUS: EXPIRED