Postdoc Accelerating the Circular Transition

ACT! is seeking a postdoc to develop practical tools for assessing circular transition pathways and accelerating systemic change and to monitor the deployment of these pathways.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join theACT! Accelerating the Circular Transition NWA-funded project, which brings together researchers, universities, and societal partners.

Your job

The postdoctoral researcher will join the Deep Transition Lab team, which is responsible for Work Package 3 (WP3) on identifying and evaluating actionable transition pathways. The team is led by Prof. Dr. Johan Schot at Utrecht University.

ACT aims to accelerate the transition towards a circular society in the Netherlands by 2050 through the development of historical and systemic approaches, analytical tools, and transition pathways that address the environmental, economic, and social challenges associated with linear economies.

The successful candidate will focus on (i) assessing future-oriented circular transition pathways and (ii) monitoring their deployment. These pathways will be used to identify and evaluate interventions capable of enabling systemic change towards a circular economy and society. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the development of rigorous and repeatable methods for assessing whether, how, and to what extent these transition pathways are driving structural change.

You will:

• select and co-develop indicators and methods to assessing circular transition pathways and systemic change across environmental, economic and social dimensions;
• apply approaches like network analysis and complementary systems-change-oriented methods to national-scale case studies, while supporting the development of pathways and theories of change;
• develop reproducible analytical tools, workflows and monitoring and evaluation frameworks for repeated assessment across cases;
• Monitor the deployment of the co-development pathways.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with colleagues developing pathways in Work Package 3, modelling and simulation tools in Work Package 2, and case studies in Work Package 4. This will involve aligning pathway development with suitable assessment approaches, co-designing monitoring strategies, analyzing interventions, and ensuring consistency across project outputs. The postdoctoral researcher will take a leading role in developing a robust toolkit for monitoring transition pathways and assessing progress towards systemic change, with explicit attention to sustainability, justice and fairness.

Your key responsibilities include:

Develop and refine metrics and analytical methods for measuring systems change and transition pathways;

• Apply network analysis and complementary methods across regional and local -scale case studies;
• Develop reproducible analytical tools and workflows for repeatable measurement of systems change across cases;
• Analyze and communicate findings through research outputs, practical tools and engagement with project partners;
• M&E framework to evaluate future transition pathways for a circular society;
• Co-design theories of change with project partners to co-develop systemic strategies for stakeholders;
• Monitor the deployment of co-developed transition pathways;
• Prepare academic publications and contribute to project deliverables;
• Engage with stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, and NGOs, to co-create and refine pathway analysis and possible interventions;
• Present research findings related to M&E at project meetings, workshops, and conferences;
• Contribute to Deep Transition Lab activities see www.transformativeinvestment.net and the Social and Economic History Group in the History and Art History Department.

Your qualities

• A PhD in any relevant social science or humanities discipline;
• a proven record of several peer-reviewed publications;
• strong expertise in sustainability transitions research (ideally with a justice lens);
• strong expertise in circular economy theory and practice is a plus;
• prior experience with development of measurement tools is a plus;
• excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively;
• a team player capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously;
• strong written and verbal communication skills in Dutch (nice-to-have) and English (must-have).

Some combination of one or more of the below competencies and skills is required, but any single one is nice-to-have.

• Experience with social network analysis and related systems-mapping methods;
• Experience with longitudinal and comparative case-study research;
• Strong skills in building and managing complex relational datasets;
• Proficiency in Python, R or comparable analytical languages and software;
• Proficiency in the use of large-language models (LLMs) for quantitative and/or qualitative research processes;
• Experience translating theoretical concepts into indicators, coding frameworks or assessment tools;
• Ability to interpret complex quantitative and qualitative findings for academic and non-academic audiences.

Our offer

• a temporary position for 12 months. After a positive evaluation the position may be extended to a maximum of 33 months in total;
• a 0,8 FTE position;
• a gross monthly salary of €4,925 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 11, level 0, job profile, Researcher 3 according to the University Job Classification (UFO), under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• 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.

About us

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.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the faculty is located, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

The faculty strives for diversity among its employees and students and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, as can be read in Utrecht University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.

The core values of the faculty for Humanities are professionalism, transparency, responsibility, connectedness and safety. These values apply to everyone and we uphold these values in our work and in our communication with each other and with others.

More information

For more information, please contact Dr. Lis Suarez Visbal at l.j.suarezvisbal@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

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To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The interviews are scheduled for 22 September.