Description of the research project and function
Urban green and blue spaces of all sorts have an acknowledged positive impact on human wellbeing and biodiversity through the provision of multiple benefits, i.e. the so-called ecosystem services (ESS). The awareness of this potential is reflected in societal efforts to enhance and protect them (i.e. "urban greening policies"); and in the mainstreaming of concepts such as nature-based solutions (NBS) and green and blue infrastructure (GBI). Notwithstanding these generally positive attributes, urban greening is also related to a number of negative impacts, including ecosystem disservices and green gentrification processes. These positive and negative impacts are generally unevenly distributed across the urban fabric, not least because of the agency of nature in cities. In this context, urban greening policies emerge as something about which considerations of environmental justice might sensibly be made.
In this context, the European research project CLEARING HOUSE (2020-2024) provides evidence and tools that facilitate mobilizing the full potential and qualities of urban forests as NBS, thereby developing pathways for the effective restoration of degraded urban environments, the enhancement of ecological connectivity, and the provision of ecosystem services for a more livable and just city. The project is realized by a wide consortium of organizations including research, policy, and NGOs in Europe and China and is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program (more information: https://clearinghouseproject.eu/ ).
This position's main objective is to contribute to the tasks of CLEARING HOUSE assigned to VUB during the last year of the project under the guidance of Dr Nicola da Schio and Dr. Francesc Baró. Besides, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to develop one (or more) research application (at the postdoctoral or doctoral level) related to the fields of urban ecology and just sustainable transitions and potentially contribute to other related research projects carried out at Cosmopolis. More specifically, tasks include:
CLEARING HOUSE:
• Contribute to research on public officials' and stakeholders' perspective on co-production-based approaches to the urban greening policies.
• Engage stakeholders on urban greening policy and research (e.g. contribute to the organisation of workshops, public events, science communication activities).
• Contribute to the development of thematic guidelines based on CLEARING HOUSE research, to assist local authorities, consultants, decision makers, civil society and other in delivering Urban Forest NBS.
• Contribute to design and pilot Urban Forest NBS solutions in real-world contexts in the Brussels metropolitan area (Brussels Capital Region and Province of Vlaams Brabant)
• Contribute to the general daily work of the CLEARING HOUSE project (e.g. participate in meetings, providing feedback to partners, write reports as needed)
Other activities:
• The researcher is expected to develop of one or more research applications on themes related to urban ecology and just sustainable transitions (e.g. FWO PhD or post-doc fellowships, FWO projects, Innoviris projects...),
• Occasionally contribute to teaching and supervising activities organized at the VUB in the field of urban ecology.
• Potentially contribute to other research projects in the field of urban ecology and just sustainable transitions
• Communication and dissemination of research outcomes to research peers and other stakeholders, at scientific conferences, seminars and through peer-reviewed journal publications.
Profile
• You hold at least a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in urban studies, environmental science, sustainability, sociology, geography, urban planning, or a related field.
• A PhD degree is not a mandatory requirement, but experience in international/European research projects is an important asset.
• You are familiar with social research methods, especially qualitative (e.g., in-depth interviews, participatory observation); skills in GIS-based spatial analysis are an asset.
• You are familiar with working with multiple stakeholders inside and outside of academia
• You are capable of communicating accurate and accessible information to different publics.
• You are a loyal team player, ready to actively contribute to collaborative research, but you are also able to work independently;
• You are responsible, you show initiative and attention to details; you can get things done;
• You are fluent in written/spoken English. Good knowledge of Dutch and/or French is an asset;
• You are available to start on November 1st, 2022.
Offer
The position is open to both Master's degree holders and Post-Doctoral researchers. The salary is based on VUB policies and on the candidate relevant experience.
At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career. As well as this, you’ll enjoy various benefits:
• Full reimbursement for your home-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, or compensation if you come by bike;
• The space to form your job content and continuously learn via VUB LRN;
• Excellent facilities for sport and exercise;
• Meals at attractive prices in our campus restaurant;
• An open, family-friendly work environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a fulltime contract).
Application
Interested candidates are invited to send by email a single PDF file containing: (1) a one-page motivation letter (in English), explaining how you developed the expertise needed to cover this position ; (2) your updated CV (in English, max 2 pages); and (3) the names and contact details (telephone, e-mail address) of at least two referees. The application should be sent to Nicola da Schio (ndaschio@vub.be) no later than October 9th, 2022. Please indicate “CLEARING HOUSE researcher” as subject of the email. Interviews will take place on October 13th.
Do you have questions about the position? Contact Nicola da Schio (ndaschio@vub.be) or Francesc Baró (francesc.baro@vub.be)
Only applications that correspond to the profile and are sent within the prescribed deadline will be accepted and responded to.
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