In the Netherlands and other places around the world two challenges in planning converge in complicated ways. On the one hand, the so-called housing crisis of a shortage of good housing stock; and on the other hand, the climate crisis with far-reaching environmental consequences like changing water-levels. Translated into policy, both crises demand space and new spatial constellations, but are sometimes at odds with each other, such as when new houses are built in areas that are expected to bear the burden of climate change effects. How does this happen? What can we do differently?
This PhD projects starts from the question: How do planning techniques shape decisions around the governance of risk and development and the kinds of urban futures that become imaginable?
In planning, climate risk is typically framed as a technical issue to be quantified and absorbed into evaluative procedures. Tools such as cost-benefit analysis (CBA) translate uncertain futures into calculable present values, making climate vulnerability administratively manageable. This PhD research project departs from the premise that techniques of valuation are not neutral instruments. They are socio-political devices through which global logics of valuation and risk are operationalized in local planning decisions. Their effectiveness lies in their banality: the taken-for-granted procedures through which planning bureaucracies organize the future.
Valuation techniques like the CBA are sustained by “imagination infrastructures”—guidelines, standards, networks, and practices—that stabilize them as authoritative and common-sense. This PhD project interrogates their operation: how do these techniques and infrastructures preconfigure what can be imagined and negotiated in spatial planning? Tracing CBAs through global expert networks and national and local planning practices, the project seeks to unpack the ‘boring power’ of planning techniques, and to imagine alternative imagination practices and infrastructures.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team at the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. The team includes Dr Josje Bouwmeester, who works on urban planning negotiations, Dr Katinka Wijsman, working on politics of knowledge and valuation, and Dr Joost Vervoort, who works on transformative imagination. The project combines theoretical inquiry with empirical research into real-world planning negotiations and techniques.
As a PhD candidate, you will:
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Conduct qualitative case study research on urban planning and climate adaptation projects;
- Carry out interviews and ethnographic fieldwork with planners, developers, consultants, policymakers, financial actors, and other relevant interlocuters;
- Analyze planning documents, valuation reports, feasibility studies, and policy debates;
- Examine how planning techniques travel between global financial and expert networks and local planning practice;
- Contribute to the development of new conceptual approaches to planning under climate change;
- Publish academic articles and present your work at international conferences;
- Collaborate with academic and societal partners;
- Contribute to teaching activities (max 10%) within the department.
We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who:
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Holds a Master’s degree in Urban or Spatial Planning, Science and Technology Studies, Human Geography, Urban Studies, Sustainability Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field, with a strong grade point average;
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Has a strong interest in the hidden dimensions of power and the rhetoric of techniques and methods in urban planning;
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Has demonstrated experience with qualitative research methods, such as interviews, ethnography, and/or document analysis;
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Can do basic numerical analysis through interpreting numbers and quantitative logics;
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Demonstrates strong analytical and academic writing skills, as well as creativity, independence, and self-motivation in developing an original PhD project;
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Is able to connect with actors in planning practice and build constructive relationships with policymakers, consultants, planners, developers, and other relevant stakeholders;
- Is motivated to work across disciplinary boundaries;
- Has an excellent command of English (spoken and written).
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Has experience with STS-inspired approaches and methods, futuring, or with studying planning systems (considered an advantage).
We offer:
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a position (1.0 FTE) for 1 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;
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a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
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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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. 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. 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.
For more information about this position, please contact Dr Josje Bouwmeester at [email protected]
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
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.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please upload via the ‘apply now’ button:
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Application documents: one single PDF containing your CV, a motivation letter of 1–2 pages, copies of your university transcripts, and the contact details of two academic or professional references (in this order). Reference letters are not required at this stage.
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Writing sample: a separate PDF containing a sample of your academic writing, such as a chapter from your master’s thesis or another relevant academic text. The writing sample should not exceed 10 pages.
For full consideration, submit your materials by August 19. Interviews are expected to take place in the week of September 14.
