Two Assistant / Associate Professors in spatial planning and landscape urbanism at the Department of Geography, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Pending final approval, two part time positions1 for an Assistant / Associate Professor are opened at the Department of Geography of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, one in the field of spatial planning and one in the field of landscape urbanism.

The selected candidates will contribute to teaching in urban design and spatial planning at Masters level, in Dutch and English programmes, primarily in the Msc in Urban Design and Spatial Planning (Stedenbouw en Ruimtelijke Planning - STeR).

The successful candidates will take up a leading position in the activities of the research group COSMOPOLIS, Centre for Urban Research, and will develop new research initiatives within that framework. The selected candidates are expected to participate in the development of the urban design and spatial planning track in COSMOPOLIS that deals with the built environment and urbanised landscapes in metropolitan contexts. COSMOPOLIS is particularly concerned with these issues in the Brussels metropolitan area and comparable contexts around the globe. The COSMOPOLIS research agenda combines fundamental research with consultancy and research by design.

The selected candidates are expected to initiate and lead research projects and to supervise MSc and PhD projects in the field of urban design and spatial planning within the Department of Geography. They will also participate in management activities of the department and will take part in consultancy activities and science popularization.

Job requirements

A completed PhD in a field relevant for spatial planning and landscape urbanism is required and substantial international postdoctoral experience is preferred. The candidates should have excellent teaching skills and should be able to motivate students. They have excellent knowledge of English and Dutch, or a willingness to learn Dutch. Also knowledge of French is preferred. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply

The applicants should have a strong research record in spatial planning or landscape urbanism and are expected to be involved in international networks. She/he has the capacity to define new research strategies and provide innovative leadership.

For the spatial planning position, preference will be given to candidates with a background and a publication record in spatial planning and the socio-spatial aspects of planning. Experience in planning practice, and/or research and consultancy for public authorities is highly valued.

For the landscape urbanism position, preference will be given to candidates with a background and a publication record in urban design, landscape urbanism, the design of public space and/or infrastructure. Experience in urban design practice, and/or in research and consultancy for public authorities is highly valued.

More information

On the Vrije Universiteit Brussel: http://www.vub.ac.be
On the Department of Geography: http://www.vub.ac.be/DGGF
On the Cosmopolis research group: http://www.cosmopolis.be/
On the Msc Spatial Planning and Urban design: http://www.vub.ac.be/stedenbouw-ruimtelijke-planning/

Following final approval, the official application documents will be posted to the VUB website (http://vub.talentfinder.be/en/vacatures/g/academisch-personeel/index.aspx). In the meantime, please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Ryckewaert ([log in to unmask]) and Prof. Dr. Bas van Heur ([log in to unmask]) for expressions of interest and informal discussion.

Deadline for applications is 7 March 2014.