PHD-opening for Environmental Accounting for Nature-Based Solutions in Environmental Policy

University of Twente
March 06, 2025
Contact:N/A
Offerd Salary:€ 2.901
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Contract Type:Other
Working Time:Full time
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Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are a key topic in climate policy, but their role, especially in offsetting schemes, remains debated. For instance, bioenergy and tree planting are often treated inconsistently in carbon accounting, highlighting the need for more coherent frameworks. Emerging policies like the EU Carbon Removal Certification Scheme and the Paris Agreement's Article 6.4 lack clarity on NBS implementation, and efforts like the "Trillion Tree Campaign" have faced criticism for their weak monitoring and diverting attention for much needed reduction of fossil fuel emissions and reducing deforestation. This 4-year PhD, part of the NL2120 Growth Fund Program, will explore the accounting challenges in NBS, including the integration of biogenic carbon, biodiversity, and co-benefits like water quality and availability.

Your research will focus on Environmental Accounting for Nature-Based Solutions by:

1. Evaluating Existing Accounting Frameworks : Assess how biogenic carbon and biodiversity are accounted for in policies (e.g., the Paris Agreement, Nature Restoration Law)

2. Investigating Key Accounting Paradigms: Determine how impacts of NBS are accounted for in LCA, corporate accounting and integrated assessment models, and derive recommendations for improving Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods.

3. Assessing specific NBS with LCA (based on 1 and 2): Conduct an LCA analysis for NBS in the Netherlands for example regarding wetland restoration.

4. Critical perspective on NBS: Determine the risk of mitigation deterrence and potential conflicts with agriculture or housing development.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team from academia, consultancy, and government to ensure the research is both scientifically rigorous and policy-relevant.

Your profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to join our team. Our new colleague has the following profile:

Curious and eager to engage in interdisciplinary research

Holds (or is about to finish) a Master's degree in engineering, natural science or social science that is relevant to the PhD topic

Has experience or strong interest in one or more of the following: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and environmental footprints (esp. carbon and water footprint), environmental economics, environmental policy, forestry, GIS or related fields

Enjoys working in a multidisciplinary research setting with an international research team to achieve both scientific excellence and policy relevance

Proficient in written and oral English and strong (professional) communication skills

As the working language of the project is Dutch, speaking Dutch or high motivation to learning Dutch is an advantage but not a requirement

Our offer

The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research, excellent working conditions, enthusiastic colleagues, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

We offer:

A full-time four-year PhD position, with a qualifier exam after 6-9 months.

A starting salary of € 2.901- in the first year and growing to € 3.707,- in the fourth-year gross per month.

30% tax ruling option.

A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

A minimum of 41 holidays in case of full-time employment.

A proven pension scheme.

Professional and personal development programs.

Extraordinary research facilities and working environment:

Information and application

For additional information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact dr.ir. Rosalie Arendt, [email protected].

Women are explicitly asked to apply for this position. This is part of the University of Twente's strategy to increase the proportion of women among its faculty and to create a working environment that is diverse and inclusive and supportive of excellence in research and teaching.

Please apply by uploading a motivation letter (1 page), your CV (max 3 pages without photo), a writing sample (max 1 page e.g., an Abstract of a publication or a one page summary of your master thesis) as well as relevant certificates (e.g. for your Masters degree) until 28th of February using the link below. The application must not exceed 5 pages excluding certificates.

The first (online) job interview will take place in end of March/early April. We encourage Master students to apply even if they still have to graduate in the coming months.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more Arendt, R. (Rosalie)

Assistant Professor

Arendt, R. (Rosalie)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Rosalie for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534894826

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues
  • Arendt, R. (Rosalie)
  • Personal page

  • Berger, M. (Markus)
  • Personal page

  • Diekel, F. (Felice)
  • Personal page

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