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Two ERC-Funded PhD Positions in Innovation/ Global Governance for Earth and Space Sustainability

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University has opened two, fully funded, four-year PhD research positions (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) to join the cutting-edge research project ‘Planetary Stewardship in view of Earth-Space Sustainability’ (PLANETSTEWARDS). This research project is led by Assistant Prof. Xiao-Shan Yap, and funded for five years (2024-2029) through a 1.5 million euro ‘Starting Grant’ from the European Research Council (ERC).

JOB DESCRIPTION

Activities in outer space have grown exponentially in recent years, led by an increasing variety of actors from technologically advanced states to billionaire companies and small ventures. While space-based infrastructures such as satellites are essential for basic operations on Earth, space technologies are also presented as the frontier of opportunities and solutions for addressing sustainability crises: global accessibility to the Internet with thousands of satellites, giant solar power stations in Earth’s orbit, resources near and on the Moon, and billionaires’ vision of building space settlements such as on Mars to prevent the extinction of human species. These developments impact sustainability on Earth and in space in various ways. Not only are there rising concerns over space congestion and debris in Earth’s orbit, technological and resource competition on other celestial bodies can cause environmental degradation on those objects, intensify political polarization, fragment sustainability narratives, and perpetuate global inequality. The relations between Earth and space sustainability problems have, therefore, become more intertwined than ever. The fundamental values, beliefs, and institutions that guide stewardship for sustainability require a paradigmatic shift towards simultaneously caring for Earth and space.

 

You will be part of an ambitious ERC-funded project – PLANETSTEWARDS – that aims to address these pressing earth-space sustainability challenges. Together, we will analyse and compare different stewardship approaches – as led by the government, market actors, scientists and engineers, or communities – to understand how they impact earth-space sustainability with implications on a planetary scale. The project offers you freedom to choose a set of case studies based on your interest while in line with the aim and objectives of the project: be it space activities in Earth’s orbit or further out in space such as on the Moon, Mars, and/or other celestial bodies. Using a novel mixed-method framework, the project will formulate integrative strategies for future earth-space sustainability.

We offer

  • a position 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;

  • A working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P 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. 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.

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More information

For more information, please contact

Dr Xiao-Shan Yap at x.s.yap@uu.nl  

 

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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.

The application should be submitted via the application button below and please attach:
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  • your letter of application that describes your motivation and qualifications in relation to the positions above;

  • your Curriculum Vitae (CV), including appendixes with grade transcripts for your Bachelor’s and Master’s programme;

  • an executive summary (max 2 pages) of your Master's thesis, in English, highlighting the theories used and key findings;

  • the names and contact details of two referees.
     

Application deadline: June 30, 2024 at 23:59 CET. The first round of interviews will be held in the week of July 15, 2024, whereas the second round of interviews will be held between July 25 – 30, 2024.

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