PhD Researcher in Spatial Planning and Environmental Justice

 

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Institute of Environmental Planning welcomes applications for the following position starting at the earliest possible date: PhD Researcher in Spatial Planning and Environmental Justice (salary scale 13 TV-L, 75 %)

The position is limited to three years, with the possibility of extension.

Your role

You will contribute to the research project JustPlanning that will explore the uptake and future opportunities of integrating environmental justice (EJ) in spatial planning in Germany. EJ is defined as the socio-spatial equity of environmental benefits (e.g. access to quality green spaces and ecosystem services) and burdens (e.g. extreme heat, pollution and ecosystem disservices). JustPlanning will generate knowledge on planners’ current awareness and consideration of EJ, cutting edge methods to spatially assess EJ, and the potential impacts of EJ information on planners’ decision-making. The project will advance EJ concepts and methods while also exploring a case study region and providing evidence-based guidance. In this context, you will

• join the Landscape Planning and Ecosystem Services working group with dedicated supervisors who provide guidance, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities,
• design and apply relevant research methods that align with your interests, such as spatial (PPGIS) and non-spatial surveys, expert interviews, focus groups, and GIS assessment,
• author three research papers that together form the basis of your cumulative PhD thesis and
• disseminate your research findings in various ways, including presentations at scientific conferences.

Who are we looking for?

Applicants must hold an academic university degree (Master) in spatial planning, landscape planning, geography or a similar field. Good English and German language skills are needed. Any experience with relevant topics, such as the German planning system, and planning concepts (e.g. ‘just city’ and ’15-minute-city’), public health, social disadvantage or vulnerability, and ecosystem services will be seen favourably. Proficiency with relevant methods such as participatory planning approaches, social science research methods, and geo-spatial analysis is also advantageous.

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

Why join us?

• an interesting and varied workplace with an appreciative working atmosphere and modern workplace equipment
• induction training by experienced colleagues
• an extensive personnel development and further training program
• a varied university sports program (over 100 different sports)
• an annual bonus and 30 days' vacation per year (with a 5-day week)
• an attractive location in the immediate vicinity of the Herrenhausen Gardens with good accessibility by public transport, bicycle or car (parking spaces available)
• use of the student union (Studentenwerk) canteens

Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

 

Additional information

For further information, please contact Dr. Carl C. Anderson and Prof. Dr. Christian Albert (at the same email: apply@umwelt.uni-hannover.de).

Please submit your application including a motivation letter (max. 2 pages), a full CV, transcripts and a scientific writing sample (e.g. publication) by March 15, 2025 electronically in a single PDF-file with your last name and the reference “JP-PhD” (e.g. Schmidt_JP-PhD.pdf) to