PhD in Transformative Learning when Engaging with Biodiversity at the UU Campus

5 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Utrecht University

Research Field

Cultural studies

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

30 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (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

We are seeking a PhD researcher to investigate the transformative learning experiences and outcomes for young people by connecting with nature on campus. The research will involve multiple actors, including students, student associations, business actors, and National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Your job
You will theoretically innovate and empirically deepen the understanding and evaluation of transformative learning (pathways, outcomes, and experiences) from engaging with biodiversity in urban spaces and university campuses. The PhD research will result in a review of the learning experiences and outcomes, including shifts in mindsets and paradigms of young people, and new people-nature connections. The research will result in a critical examination of what, and how transformative learning takes place, with a focus on different biodiversity enhancing measures, and a new conceptual framework on how to transform university campuses to living labs enhancing people-nature connections.

You will be supervised by a team of supervisors as part of the Marie-Curie Training Network.

• Host institution: Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
• Supervisory team: Professor Niki Frantzeskaki (PhD main supervisor, Utrecht University), Dr Katharina Hölscher (PhD co-supervisor, Utrecht University), Professor Huiwen Gong (PhD co-supervisor, University of Stavanger), Janny Straatsma (secondment host, City of Utrecht).
• Enrolment in Graduate School: Graduate School of Geosciences , Utrecht University.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience (Essential):

• You hold a Master's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Social Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Policy Studies, or Sustainability Science, or related disciplines by Spring 2024.
• You did not reside or carry out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account.
• You have excellent research skills and ethical practices, including the ability to gather, analyse and interpret qualitative data, experience in conducting and analysing structured and semi-structured interviews, large and small workshops, focus groups, and participatory research activities.
• You have an excellent command of the English language (in both written and oral form).
• You have the ability to work both independently and in a team.
• You are a proactive and motivated person, eager to participate in network-wide training events, international mobility, and public dissemination activities.
• You have good time management skills and ability to balance between the PhD and the research project demands.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience (Desirable):

• an excellent command of the Dutch language (in both written and oral form);
• experience in publishing, as lead author, at least one paper in a conference or in a high-quality, international peer-reviewed journal;
• knowledge of European environmental policies;
• willingness to acquire new skills as required for the required research of the PhD project.

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer:

• a temporary position, 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;
• a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development , leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities , as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .

Selection process

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send the following documentation via the 'apply now' button:

• your curriculum vitae with detailed academic records and qualifications;
• a motivation letter of a maximum 1 page, including your first ideas on the topic and your interest in research on transformative learning, renaturing cities and university as a change agent;
• a sample of your writing, e.g., your Master's thesis or other written output of which you are the sole author.

The expected starting date for the PhD is 1 September 2024 at the latest. Interviews will be held online.

Additional comments

For more information, please contact Professor Niki Frantzeskaki at [email protected] .

Please note that:

• only applications submitted via the provided link with be assessed, applications submitted via email will not be evaluated;
• emails about generic information inquiries and introductions to Professor Niki Frantzeskaki will not be replied;
• applications will neither be pre-evaluated nor pre-discussed with Professor Niki Frantzeskaki.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/339851/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CB

Street

Princetonlaan 8a

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/339851/phd-in-transformative-learning-when-…

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.uu.nl/

Street

Domplein 29

Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED