All Things Urban

Leiden University is one of the most broad-based universities in the Netherlands, offering almost 50 bachelor's programmes and over 70 master’s. Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, has for centuries enjoyed an excellent reputation worldwide. A Leiden master’s diploma provides you with a firm basis for entering the employment market both at home and internationally.

We are looking for an outstanding PhD candidate to support a recently granted project by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research. The Chinese-Dutch collaborative project MultiGreen (Multi-functional urban Green space planning based on transdisciplinary learning) aims at developing an integrated modelling tool to support the planning of green infrastructure based on its multiple benefits. The project is led by the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) at Leiden University with participation of Wageningen University and Research (WUR), the Institute of Urban Environment of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and other partners. You will work with another PhD at CML and a larger group of international team members on this project. For this position, key tasks include: - Evaluating how green roofs, urban agriculture and other green infrastructure enhance urban biodiversity; - Developing a scheme of indicators for quantifying ecosystem services by urban agriculture; - Modelling the ecosystem services provided by green roofs and other green infrastructures; - Quantifying the impacts of different green infrastructures on the various services related to health; - Supporting better implementation of GIs and maximizing its benefits in cities in the Netherlands and China.

- Strong interest in the quantitative evaluation of ecosystem services; - Motivation to develop new methods and improve existing software tools; - Data management, visualization and programming skills are an advantage; - A MSc in a relevant field, and ideally have proven already to be productive in terms of scientific output. - Relevant backgrounds include, but are not limited to environmental biology, industrial ecology, quantitative sustainability science, innovation studies, engineering and modelling; - Experience with, and knowledge of the green infrastructure and urban planning are an advantage; - Proficiency in spoken and written English as well as good communication skills; - Moreover, you are a team player, are able as well to work independently, take initiative, and have a strong interest and motivation to pursue academic research.

We offer a one year position with the possibility of extension to 4 years based on performance. Salary ranges from € 2.395.- gross per month in the first year to € 3.061 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

This job is available for international candidates.