Nature-based solutions are systemic solutions that are mainly designed and implemented as part of urban strategies for dealing with climate pressures for urban regeneration projects as well as being considered as pivotal for building back better post-pandemic. There is much research over the past years that focused on the drivers and barriers of planning of and governing with nature-based solutions and on limited successful cases for upscaling nature-based solutions across scales e.g. at metropolitan scale. Amongst the many research frontiers in the science and practice of nature-based solutions is the critical examination of the interrelations between scaling up nature-based solutions, urban planning and governance approaches/tools and (intersectional) justice issues. These interrelations are currently at the frontier of research for designing, planning, and implementing (as well as evaluating) nature-based solutions in cities and metropolitan areas. Exemplary questions involve the way scaling up nature-based solutions radically alters urban landscapes by addressing or responding or not to intersectional justice issues and how these interactions can be conceptualized, analysed and also better understood for informing urban planning and governance, e.g. think of regenerating urban parks to their expansion, daylighting urban rivers in European cities like Paris, implementing green roof policies at city-scale for dealing with heat stress. 
The PhD researcher will deepen and theoretically/conceptually innovate in these interfaces with actionable knowledge for inclusive governance of nature-based solutions in cities and metropolitan areas. The research is expected to contribute to the on-going academic debates in the Netherlands and Europe as well as at a global scale. The PhD researcher will conduct independent research under the supervision of two Professors of the Section of Spatial Planning. The PhD researcher will be required to publish a minimum of three peer-reviewed publications as a first author in academic journals in compliance with the Open Science policy of Utrecht University.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience: 

• a Master of Science in urban planning, environmental planning, geography, political science, policy studies, or sustainability science; 
• excellent research skills, gathering and analysing qualitative data, and ethical research practices including the ability to gather, analyse, and interpret qualitative data, and experience in conducting and analysing structured and semi-structured interviews, large and small workshops, focus groups, and participatory research activities; 
• excellent command of the English language (both written and oral);
• ability to work both independently and in a team;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience: 

• experience in publishing, as the lead author, at least one paper in a conference or in a high quality, international peer-reviewed journal;
• knowledge of European and global environmental policies;
• willingness to acquire new skills as required for the research of the PhD project.

You will be offered a PhD position (1.0 FTE), 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. The gross salary ranges between €2,443 in the first year and €3,122 in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning investigates sustainability challenges in the context of an ongoing worldwide trend of increasing urbanization. The department’s ‘Urban Futures’ research programme focuses on the enhancement of the long-term economic development of cities, the inclusion and social inequalities in relation to transnational mobilities, the health outcomes of urban living as well as on the governance and planning of sustainability transformations of cities and urban regions. It develops novel theoretical and empirical approaches which are not solely at the forefront of academic debates but which also create new perspectives on successful policies and interventions to address urban challenges.

Our research programme is the basis for our Research Master's Human Geography and Geographical Information Management and Applications and Professional Master's in Spatial Planning, Human Geography and International Development Studies. The department also runs a large and highly appreciated Bachelor's programme and is part of the Netherlands Graduate School of Urban and Regional Research for PhD candidates. Unique characteristics of the department are a special team focusing on innovations within teaching methods, its strong involvement in the transdisciplinary sustainability research theme and professional consultancy for public partners.