1 PhD position in Vision making exercises – new arenas for metropolitan governance in Netherlands | Radboud University

As a PhD candidate you will undertake research to analyse and interpret vision-making exercises as arenas for new governance approaches in European metropolitan spaces. Metropolitan spaces present realities which are not only complex but also difficult to grasp in all their intricacies, impeding our capacity to develop comprehensive, widely supported, ‘evidence-based’ strategic plans. The academic and practice literature in the field of planning sees having a vision as generally beneficial to providing creative and innovative solutions for an inclusive and sustainable future.

However, why and how this should be done, and what kind of ‘visioning’ actually works in metropolitan contexts, has not been systematically addressed. Yet, it warrants our attention. How can actors in metropolitan regions develop ‘a composition of structures and processes’ that fits in with multiple (and often poorly compatible) institutional structures and policy processes. Visioning, in this view, mobilises future imaginations to shape actor constellations, align resources, create public and political support, and amass coordination and financial resources for planning activities. Hence, it involves vital framing and boundary work. The capacity to develop visions in shared constellations is assumed to be an appropriate and effective way forward to manage metropolitan development.

Requirements

• a Research Master's degree (or equivalent) in spatial planning, urban studies, human geography, architecture or another relevant field. Students who have completed a regular Master's programme in a related discipline and have relevant research experience are also invited to apply. Professionals with an academic degree and research experience in the field who are interested in critically reflecting on their experiences are also welcome;
• you have experience in applied research using both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies;
• you are enthusiastic and highly motivated;
• you have excellent writing skills, as evidenced by writing samples, such as a chapter from your Master’s thesis, or an academic article or conference paper;
• you should be fluent in English as you will be expected to engage in international research and publish internationally;
• knowledge of the Dutch language and practical experience in urban planning will be considered strong assets.

Conditions of employment

• you will be appointed conditionally as a PhD candidate for a period of 18 months. Your performance will be evaluated after 12 months. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended for the remainder of the period;
• preferred starting date: a.s.a.p., but no later than 1 November 2015;
• you will be classified as a PhD student (promovendus) in the Dutch university job-ranking system.
• the gross starting salary is €2,125 per month based on full-time employment and will increase to €2,717 per month in the fourth year (PhD scale);