PhD spatial governance of water scarcity in the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium)

Your job

PhD researcher on spatial governance of water scarcity in the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium)
Are you fascinated by spatial governance in relation to water scarcity? Would you like to develop knowledge on how spatial planning and policy can increase infiltration, retention and reuse of water? Then you could be the ideal PhD candidate to join our team! 

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to investigate the interconnections between water scarcity, spatial planning, and governance in the Netherlands and Belgium.  

While water scarcity has been extensively studied, the role of spatial planning in addressing this challenge remains underexplored. This PhD project will examine how spatial planning and policy can support the necessary evolution from accelerated water drainage to increased infiltration, retention and reuse of water, which is crucial for developing long-term drought resilience. Therefore, this study seeks to assess how spatial planning frameworks in both countries can adapt to water scarcity by promoting water infiltration, retention, and reuse. Through comparative analysis, you will investigate policies, regional cooperation mechanisms, and spatial strategies in both countries. 

Funded by a starter grant, this position offers you the freedom to shape your research direction within the project theme. You will be based in Wageningen (the Netherlands) and conduct fieldwork across different sites in the Netherlands and Belgium. You'll contributing to the development of adaptive water management strategies and policy recommendations that strengthen the role of spatial planning in mitigating drought impacts. 

This position offers you excellent opportunities to develop new skills and kick-start your academic career in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment. Ready for the challenge? We want to hear from you! 

You will work here
The research is embedded within two complementary research groups: the Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning group and the chair Earth Systems and Global Change. The Land Use Planning chair group (LUP) focuses on the planning of sustainable landscapes that address urgent environmental issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. We aim to understand the interactions within social-physical systems, considering land uses and diverse stakeholders. The Earth Systems and Global Change (ESG) chair group works to ensure sufficient, climate-proof, and clean water for society, food production, and nature. Through research, measurements, and participatory approaches, we provide actionable water management solutions for farmers, water managers, and policymakers worldwide.  Both chair groups are young and dynamic teams with many other PhD candidates to connect to. We provide an inclusive and diverse working environment.

You will be co-supervised by dr. Barbara Tempels, dr. Bregje van der Bolt and prof. Martha Bakker.

Your qualities

You are someone who:

• Is excited about contributing to climate-adaptive landscapes in the Dutch and Belgian contexts
• Seeks intellectual challenges and opportunities for growth
• Can work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Is self-motivated, curiosity-driven and takes initiative
• Has strong organizational skills and excellent communication skills

You also possess:

• A successfully completed (or about to be completed) MSc degree in Spatial Planning or a related field, such as Public Policy, Geography, Water Management, Climate studies, Environmental Sciences or Social Sciences;
• Demonstrated affinity with environmental governance and spatial development
• Experience with qualitative research related to planning processes, governance and instruments;
• Proficiency in Dutch (native speaker or level B2) to perform fieldwork.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Barbara Tempels, assistant professor, telephone +31639088920 or by e-mail barbara.tempels@wur.nl or dr. Bregje van der Bolt, assistant professor, telephone +31317486667 or by e-mail bregje.vanderbolt@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Edgar Tijhuis, corporate recruiter, edgar.tijhuis@wur.nl

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including Monday 17 February 2025. We hope to schedule the job interviews on Thursday 27 February 2025 and Friday 28 February 2025.

Additional information form
For this position, you must fill in a mandatory form which will allow us to have a comprehensive view of your qualifications and better assess your fit for it. You can access the form using the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/7qXtcwKKKM

Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!


We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.