The main objective of this PhD researcher is to develop a robust framework for future policy making and an action-oriented perspective to reach ZE-IWT. The IWT sector represents a large variety of different stakeholders and interests that need to be included in the framework. From this perspective it is good to understand their goals (criteria), the (power-) relationships, and the dependencies. From the other working packages, new technical solutions will be generated. Any potential solution is assessed by an analysis of the barriers and enablers for implementation in various subsectors of the IWT sector in Western Europe. To bridge the dichotomy between requirements for a well-functioning, competitive, and ZE-IWT industry and the policy stance imposed by the European and national governments, the focus of the research activity in this activity will be on the concept of ‘governance as a self-organization’. Self-organisation as a tool is a concept that increasingly receives political and societal attention for its important role in upholding affordable, effective and sustainable service innovations. Community-based actors and interests groups (which are a dominant phenomenon in the IWT sector as well), create a promising and unique opportunity for self-organization. Within these configurations, adaptive and resilient roadmaps for policy making will be developed.

The project will be conducted in close collaboration with research institutions industrial stakeholders and governmental organizations. In total, 7 PhD students and 3 postdocs will be hired for developing a data-driven multi-level digital twin for inland waterway transport and testing the efficiency of new policies for zero-emission shipping.  

You will be appointed at the Erasmus University Rotterdam - Department of Public Administration and Sociology. You will participate in the Erasmus Graduate School of Social Sciences and the Humanities. Most of the activities will take place at RDM campus Hogeschool Rotterdam.

A significant part of the work itself will be done under the responsibility of the Lectorate Ports and City Logistics at the Hogeschool Rotterdam. The supervision of the project will take place by Prof. Dr. Harry Geerlings (promotor), Dr. Ron van Duin (co-promotor) - Hogeschool Rotterdam and TUDelft and Dr. Martijn van der Horst from the KIM (Kennisinstituut voor Mobiliteitsbeleid).

We are looking for a candidate who is able to connect transport and energy supply chains for zero emission shipping infrastructure with governance and policy making. We expect the applicants to have appreciation of governance, policymaking and social challenges in the context of implementing new sustainable frameworks and business models, preferably in combination with economic and/or policy analysis expertise or affinity. Knowledge of lifecycle assessment, risk assessment methodologies, network analysis, policy analysis, supply chain technologies, and frameworks will be a plus.

• Master of Science (MSc) diploma in Transportation, Logistics, Public Administration, Policy Making, Power/Energy Systems, System Design, Maritime Engineering, Transport Engineering or any other related field.
• Attitude to function both in a team and independently
• Experience with governance and policy analysis.
• Experience with the Waterborn Transport sector will be a plus.
• Ability to collaborate with both scientific and industrial partners
• TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency tests for all applicants except those who’s MSc program was taught in English. The minimum requirement of an TOEFL score of 100 IELTS of 7.0 per sub-skill (writing, reading, listening, speaking).

An internationally oriented and varied job in an enthusiastic team, with good working conditions in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

The start date of this position is as soon as possible and you will mostly be based at RDM campus Hogeschool Rotterdam. The position is for 1 FTE. The salary is € 2541 to a maximum of €3247 gross per month on a fulltime basis, in accordance with scale P of the CAO-NU. In addition, we offer an 8% holiday allowance, an end-of-year payment of 8.3%, and a very generous paid leave scheme. Furthermore, EUR is affiliated with ABP for the pension provision, and we offer partially paid parental leave, fully paid extended birth leave for partners, a personal career budget, work-life balance coaches, discounted collective health insurance, and more. As an employee, you can also use EUR facilities such as the University library and receive a discount on subscriptions for the Erasmus sports center.

Erasmus University Rotterdam aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfill their full potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our successes, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EUR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (EUR)

Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (EUR) is een internationaal georiënteerde universiteit met een uitgesproken maatschappelijke oriëntatie in haar onderwijs en onderzoek. Onze wetenschappers en studenten werken in nauwe samenwerking met interne en externe partijen aan het oplossen van mondiale, sociale uitdagingen, geïnspireerd door het altijd dynamische en kosmopolitische Rotterdam. Onze missie luidt dan ook ‘Creating positive societal impact’. Ons academisch onderwijs is intensief, actief en toepassingsgericht. Ons onderzoek vindt steeds vaker plaats in multidisciplinaire teams, die sterk verweven zijn met internationale netwerken. Met onze onderzoeksimpact en dankzij de hoge kwaliteit van onderwijs kan de EUR zich meten met de top van de Europese universiteiten. De Erasmian values fungeren als ons interne kompas en maken de Erasmus Universiteit herkenbaar voor de buitenwereld: ondernemend, maatschappelijk betrokken, wereldburger, ruimdenkend en verbindend. www.eur.nl

Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB)

The Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences is home to a vast diversity of scientific disciplines: public administration, pedagogical sciences, psychology and sociology. In addition, the Erasmus University College, IHS, and two research institutes RISBO and DRIFT are linked to the faculty. This also reflects in the content of the (international) bachelor's and master's programs and in research.  Our activities are always focused on people and society. At the ESSB fundamental, internationally oriented research is of paramount importance. In addition, social research for professionals, policy makers, and the society is part of our research activities. ESSB offers a stimulating research environment where major national and international research grants are received. Appealing guest researchers and ambitious PhD candidates come along to conduct their research. Our education is small-scale and works with innovative forms of education such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Both the Dutch and English programs are highly ranked by students and alumni. ESSB is home to over 4000 students and more than 400 staff-members. The different disciplines are supported by the Faculty Office (for more information, please visit www.eur.nl/essb).

Department of Public Administration and Sociology (DPAS)

DPAS covers the disciplines of Public Administration and Sociology. Two related scientific fields with different profiles. Public Administration studies governance capacity and policy interventions. It focuses on the institutional power to organize and intervene in the relations between different social, political and economic actors. Public Administration in Rotterdam goes well beyond the public realm itself and pays attention to public-private cooperation and networks of organizations. Sociology investigates the social structure of societies and the way it evolves. Sociologists in Rotterdam focus among other things on processes of globalization and individualization and on the effects of these processes on international social relations, the labor market or family relations. Related social problems that are studied are migration, flexibilization and solidarity. The perspectives of Public Administration and Sociology complement each other. Together they guarantee a highly relevant and scientific approach to topical administrative and social issues. The bachelor- and masterprogrammes of DPAS are build on this profile and educate students to become scientifically schooled professionals.