Postdoc position: “in transdisciplinary sustainability research: ∂elta protein”.

The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (Department Estuarine and Delta Systems EDS-,NIOZ, Yerseke) and University College Roosevelt (www.UCR.nl) offer a postdoc position in transdisciplinary sustainability research. The postdoc will do research to the benefit of the Delta Climate Center (DCC).

THE DELTA CLIMATE CENTER
DCC in Vlissingen is a new and innovative knowledge center in the field of climate adaptation. It unites science and practice through a unique partnership between the knowledge institutions Scalda, HZ University of Applied Sciences, University College Roosevelt, NIOZ, Utrecht University, and Wageningen University & Research. The core question of the DCC is: how to advance the transition towards sustainable, climate-resilient, and prosperous deltas? With the Zeeland delta as its living lab, the DCC fosters innovative and impactful solutions for future-proof deltas worldwide.

THE POSITION
Research of the DCC will start with 3 flagship projects. The post-doc will initially participate in the delta protein flagship project. This project explores opportunities for a transformation toward sustainable protein production and consumption in the Zeeland region. The aim is to create a more sustainable delta within planetary boundaries and with futureproof business models for entrepreneurs. The post-doc will focus on the process of challenge-based, transdisciplinary knowledge production between societal stakeholders on the one hand, and the knowledge institutes engaged in delta protein on the other hand.

THE CANDIDATE

The post-doc will work in a diverse team of researchers from the social, human, and natural sciences, including three PhD students who are part of the ∂elta protein project. Neighboring DCC flagship projects namely “Flexible Deltas” and “ProceZ” will be directly relevant for the postdoc’s research as well. In doing so, the postdoc will help articulate and theoretically systematize good practices for the DCC.

The post-doc will:

• Generate from existing literature and existing good practices (in the region and worldwide) (a) theoretical model(s) for comprehensive transdisciplinary collaboration between societal stakeholders and knowledge institutes;
• Do this for three phases of research: framing the specific challenge; co-creation of paths to solutions; integration of results in both societal and academic practice;
• Further develop this model by testing it in regular co-creation sessions – from small individual meetings to stakeholder conferences -- between stakeholders, knowledge institutes, and fellow researchers;
• Publish a number of peer-reviewed articles as (co-)author together with ∂elta protein and other DCC researchers;
• Edit and compose, again in collaboration with others, a practical guide on challenge-based, transdisciplinary ways of working for future work within the DCC;
• Work from the offices of the DCC in Vlissingen, work on location with stakeholders, and occasionally travel to Utrecht, Wageningen and other universities and knowledge institutes for cooperation with project partners.

Next to the post-doc, who is mainly responsible for scientific research on the topic, a DCC program coordinator will support the organization of co-creation sessions and the development of a practical guide.

Requirements:

• Strong motivation for developing sustainability solutions for delta regions confronted with environmental change, and for the Zeeland delta in the Netherlands in particular;
• Affinity and experience with co-creation or similar processes and stakeholder engagement in research;
• Successfully completed Ph.D. degree in relevant academic areas with a focus on societal transitions regarding climate change and/or environmental challenges, as well as methods and strategies for the societal co-creation of solutions to them;
• A proven affinity with the natural sciences, demonstrated through research and interdisciplinary cooperations;
• Good interpersonal communication skills;
• Good time management, organization, and planning skills;
• Written and spoken proficiency of Dutch and English (advanced, C1>);
• Willingness to locate and work in Zeeland.

We want to be a transparent institute with a healthy working climate and an inclusive culture, where people from diverse backgrounds and gender bring their talents and further develop these talents. We aim for inclusive decision-making processes and expect our leadership to show visible commitment, awareness of bias, and cultural intelligence.

CONDITIONS

• Employment of this position is at DCC by secondment through Royal NIOZ, a NWO-I institution for a maximum of 3 years.
• Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI  (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 10 or 11 depending on relevant experience.
• The freedom to fulfill your role and space and opportunities for your personal (talent) development with the help of the NIOZ Academy.
• 338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week.
• Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%.
• 2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%.
• Employment benefits plan to exchange a portion of your salary for days off or vice versa, or can be used to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits.
• We offer relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad and support with finding accommodation.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Bert van den Brink, prof. Gerda Andringa or prof. Klaas Timmermans. For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to working@nioz.nl

Closing date for this vacancy is 31 May 2024.

we aim to invite suitable candidates for an interview in the mid of June.