PhD: The Role of Social Innovations in Enabling Nature-Based Solutions in Cities

16 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Utrecht University

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

20 Feb 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

We are looking for a PhD candidate who will investigate, theoretically and empirically, the role of social innovation in enabling nature-based solutions in the Mediterranean region.

Your job
Nature-based solutions are climate adaptation solutions for dealing with climate pressures, biodiversity loss, and regenerating people-nature connections, which are an increasingly important part of how cities respond to climate change. Recently, there has been much research about the drivers and barriers of planning and governing nature-based solutions and the importance of engaging with a multitude of actors to ensure just processes and outcomes. This project focuses on key research frontiers: how social innovation initiatives and networks enable the implementation and mainstreaming of nature-based solutions in such a way that they contribute to more just and sustainable cities and regions.

As PhD candidate, you will deepen these themes empirically and theoretically, generating actionable knowledge for inclusive governance of nature-based solutions in cities and regions while building strongly from action research in a plentitude of real-life case studies in the Mediterranean region. Alongside research, you are expected to contribute to the European project “CARDIMED: Climate Adaptation and Resilience Demonstrated In the Mediterranean region” (see below) through an effort to develop and host a trans-local network of nature-based solutions initiatives. Join us in this exciting research opportunity to help shape the future of urban and regional resilience.

This PhD project is based at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development and at the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning and it will be supervised by Professor Flor Avelino , Professor Niki Frantzeskaki and Dr Jonas Torrens .

Requirements
Specific Requirements

You bring the following skills and competences:

• a Master's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography, Political Science, Policy Studies, Sustainability Science, or a related field;
• excellent research skills and ethical research 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;
• an excellent command of the English language (in both written and oral form);
• a good command of one or more of the following Mediterranean languages: Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, or Turkish;
• the ability to work both independently and in a team;
• good time management skills to be able to balance between the PhD and the research project demands;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

The following qualities are desirable:

• experience in publishing, as lead author, in a conference or a peer-reviewed journal;
• knowledge of European environmental policies;
• familiarity with social innovation, action research, activist networks, and climate adaptation/resilience.

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer:

• a position 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' button below:

• your curriculum vitae with detailed academic records and qualifications;
• a motivation letter of maximum one page, including your first ideas on the topic and your interest in research on social innovation and its potential to enable more sustainable cities;
• a sample of your writing, e.g., your Master's thesis or other written output of which you are the sole author.

Additional comments

For more information, please contact Dr Jonas Torrens , via [email protected] .

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/336621/

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/336621/phd-the-role-of-social-innovations-i…

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.uu.nl/

Street

Domplein 29

Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED