Assistant Professor in International Development Studies

The department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning is looking for two early career academics in the fields of international development studies, human geography and linked social science disciplines.

Your job
You will join the International Development Studies (IDS) Group at the department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning. Embedded in the Urban Futures research programme, IDS has specialised in understanding ‘development’ in particular places from translocal and transnational perspectives, in a context of rapidly changing flows of capital and of people. Looking at the world as an interconnected place, an important starting point for our approach is an understanding that what occurs in one locality will to a large degree depend on what is occurring in other places or, more precisely, on how local agencies interact with external (e.g. global, regional) forces. Focusing on the crossroads of migration and investments flows, we analyse the consequences of new flows and circulations (of people, goods, capital and knowledge) for inclusive and sustainable development in Asia, Africa and Latin America, focusing on the implications for sustainable livelihoods and human wellbeing. Against this backdrop, we are looking for new colleagues who are familiar with and have an ambition to develop our research agenda in critical development geography, trans-local development, and related study fields.

In this position, you will explore broadly either of the following themes:

• just and fair urban or energy transitions and climate/land politics;
• youth/labour mobility and spatial dynamics.

Your core tasks include:

• teaching in our Bachelor's and Master's level courses (60% teaching and 40% research time);
• Bachelor's and Master's thesis supervision;
• research, project acquisition, and publishing and generating societal impact;
• PhD supervision;
• building and strengthening research and education networks within and outside Utrecht University in the field of International Development.

We believe in a balance between individual and collective achievements. Therefore, we will assess candidate’s qualifications both on individual and team performance. We stimulate inclusive academic leadership at all levels.

You have demonstrated experience in teaching (in both individual and team settings), research acquisition, and publications in the field of International Development Studies (and related disciplines). Besides that, you have an innovative research line that can complement the strengths of the IDS group and the department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning. We specially encourage candidates with broad field research experience in Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

We are looking for you if you meet multiple of the following criteria:

• You have a PhD in International Development Studies, Human Geography, Spatial Planning or in a related discipline.
• You have experience in teaching at bachelor and master levels, preferably in an international classroom.
• You are proficient in both English and Dutch.
• You have strong personal leaderships skills: you are self-reflective, a clear communicator and able to give and take responsibility.
• You have a clearly defined research line and publication strategy.
• You have demonstrated ability and potential to acquire external funding.
• You have field research experience in Africa, Middle-east, Asia, and/or Latin America.
• The preference is for candidates with strong quantitative and/or mixed research methods skills.
• You have good social skills and are able and motivated to collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines.
• You have a University Teaching Qualification (Dutch or foreign equivalent) or are willing to acquire this certificate within two years.

We offer:

• a position for 18 months with the prospect of a permanent contract, following positive evaluation;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €4,332 and €5,929 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development, leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow. For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

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 strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Shaping science, sharing tomorrow.

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.

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 your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply’ button below. Your application should include (and be limited to) the following:

• your motivation letter (no more than one page);
• a one-page summary of your research, including future research plans;
• your curriculum vitae including a list of publications;
• names and contact details of two people who can provide references.

The first round of interviews are scheduled for the first week of March 2024.