This position is part of Skill Resilience4EU, a new Horizon Europe-funded research initiative aimed at reframing the concept of resilience of the European labour markets under the fast-paced digital and green transformations and related challenges, and to outline actionable pathways to narrow the labour market mismatches that these transitions triggers, through reskilling and upskilling.

Your job

Your main responsibilities include:

• conducting collaborative research in the following areas: tracking the progress of European regions and industries in the digital and green transitions, mapping the jobs and skills relevant for the digital and green transitions and identifying skill mismatches;
• attending conferences and workshops to disseminate research output;
• writing scientific articles and policy briefs;
• project management including attending project meetings and organising workshopa.

Your qualities

• You have completed a Ph D in economic geography, regional sciences, economics, innovation studies or other related fields in social sciences.
• You have a strong research interest in topics related to the digital, green and twin transitions and labour markets.
• You have strong quantitative analytical skills; experience with natural language processing methods are welcome.
• You have excellent writing skills in English, with a proven track record of academic publications.
• You have experience in collaborative research environments.
• You are able to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and communicate professionally.

Our offer

We offer:

• a position for two years, with expected starting date 2 January 2025 (later starting date can be discussed);
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,345 and €5,278 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 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.

About us

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. Sharing science, shaping 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.
The Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning investigates sustainability challenges in the context of an ongoing worldwide trend of increasing urbanisation. The department’s ‘Urban Futures’ research programme focuses on urban inequalities, geographies of digital transitions, and urban environmental change. It develops novel theoretical and empirical approaches that are not solely at the forefront of academic debates but that also create new perspectives on successful policies and interventions to address urban challenges. Our research programme is the basis for our Research Masters Human Geography and Geographical Information Management and Applications and Professional Masters 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 Ph D 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.

More information

For more information, please contact Dr Deyu Li at d.li1@uu.nl or Professor Ron Boschma at r.a.boschma@uu.nl.
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

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, via the ‘apply now’ button, the following:

• a letter that describes your motivation and qualifications in relation to the position above;
• your curriculum vitae;
• one or two publications (working papers) that demonstrate your academic skills;
• the names and contact details of two referees. Recommendation letters will be asked only for candidates shortlisted for interview.

The interviews will be held in late November.