Research Theme “Inclusive Urban Development”

We are looking for a PhD student on the topic of inclusive urban development operating at the intersection of political economy, urban studies and philosophy. He/she will be based at Erasmus School of Philosophy and work closely with colleagues within the Erasmus Initiative for the Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity, Delft University of Technology and the other partners within the research consortium. The work conducted by the PhD student will have a specific focus on the political and economic philosophy of inclusion in urban areas and waste handling chains in the Netherlands and China. Since DoIP’s specific focus is on scientific as well as societal impact, the delivery of high-quality academic work as well as hands-on involvement in and policy advice for the benefit of real-life projects in the Netherlands and China are highly valued.  

Profile

The PhD student is expected to:

• Conduct original interdisciplinary research on the research theme of inclusive urban development, co-authoring scientific articles to be published in leading journals in urban studies, public policy, economic philosophy and political theory, on questions of inclusive area-based urban development;

• Disseminate research at international academic conferences in geography, planning, policy and philosophy as well as at interdisciplinary workshops and events;

• Co-organize events and disseminate research in the public domain;

• Collaborate closely with core faculty of the Erasmus Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity Initiative, as well as the various Dutch and Chinese partners in the research consortium;

• Complete the necessary work (including courses) for earning a doctoral degree at Erasmus University Rotterdam.

• Both a Bachelor and a Master degree in one (or more) of the following disciplines: urban studies, public policy, political science and/or philosophy and demonstrable affinity with the other fields (or proof of being able to obtain the Master degree by the starting date of the contract);
• Flexibility in thinking and writing across various academic disciplines and working with a variety of research methods;
• Fluency in spoken and written English; Skills in Dutch and Chinese are an asset given the composition of the consortium and nature of the empirical evidence to be collected;
• Ambition, energy, and flexibility;
• Keen interest – and possibly experience – in cross-disciplinary social science research on planning and governance from a variety of epistemological angles;
• Willingness to engage with and become conversant with academics in industrial ecology and business management;
• Ability to play an active role in an interdisciplinary research team and the dissemination of research in both interdisciplinary and public contexts.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

100% of this position is dedicated to the “Inclusive Urban Development” research and the related (courses) to obtain the PhD. The successful candidate is expected to start between September 1, and December 1, 2020. The student must be physically based in or relocate to Rotterdam or the broader Rotterdam-The Hague agglomeration. A full-time, four-year contract with Erasmus University Rotterdam will be offered. The initial contract will be for 14 months (1.0 fte). If the candidate has given sufficient proof of his/her abilities, the temporary contract will be renewed for a further 34 months. The work conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The salary is € 2,395 gross per month during the first year, which will increase annually up to € 3,061 gross per month in the fourth year. The attractive benefits package includes an end of year bonus of 8.3%, holiday allowance of 8%, extensive leave facilities for a healthy work/life balance, a good pension fund and an excellent collective insurance package. Staff are also entitled to use various facilities, such as sport facilities and library.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is an internationally oriented university with a strong social orientation in its education and research. Our scientists and students work in close collaboration with internal and external parties to solve global, social challenges, inspired by the always dynamic and cosmopolitan Rotterdam. Our mission is therefore "Creating positive societal impact". Our academic education is intensive, active and application-oriented. Our research increasingly takes place in multidisciplinary teams, which are strongly intertwined with international networks. With our research impact and thanks to the high quality of education, EUR can compete with the top European universities. The Erasmian values ​​function as our internal compass and make Erasmus University recognizable to the outside world: engaged with society, world citizen, connecting, entrepreneurial and open-minded.  www.eur.nl

Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil)

The Erasmus School of Philosophy has research strengths in a number of different areas of philosophy, including economic and environmental philosophy. It offers a three-year bachelor program in philosophy, a one-year master program in philosophy and a two-year research master program in philosophy and economics. Moreover, the Faculty offers a double degree (honors) undergraduate program for students from other faculties at the Erasmus University. In total the Faculty has about 500 students and 20 staff members.

Erasmus Initiative ‘Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity’

The Erasmus Initiative ‘Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity’ focuses on enabling as many people as possible to benefit from increasing prosperity, whilst minimizing the negative consequences. Increased prosperity requires constant coordination of the changing needs and values of governments, businesses, citizens and entrepreneurs. In order to chart this dynamic field, scholars from Erasmus School of Law, Rotterdam School of Management and the Erasmus School of Philosophy are entering into a multidisciplinary partnership.