PhD Inclusive, sustainable, and efficient accessibility: systematically evaluating and learning from “smart” initiatives

The Faculty of Spatial Sciences is looking to appoint a PhD researcher on the topic of “inclusive, sustainable, and efficient accessibility: systematically evaluating and learning from ‘smart’ initiatives.” The research evaluates innovative transport interventions and mobility pilots that aim to improve accessibility for people that are less mobile. You will study concrete cases in the Northern Netherlands in collaboration with regional governmental and industry partners as well as the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. If you enjoy practice-oriented research, are a strong analytical thinker and writer, and like to go out into the field and connect with practitioners and residents, then this research project is just right for you.

Our ideal candidate has:

• A (research) master’s degree in a field of study relevant to the topic of the project (e.g. geography, spatial planning, transport studies, economics, psychology), or to be completed in the near future. 
• Some experience or a strong interest in evaluation methods.
• Experience with, or strong interest in, mixed-methods research, including the integration of quantitative (survey) data analyses with qualitative insights to inform theory and practice.
• Good communicative skills in both academic and policy settings, and a proactive and independent attitude.
• Good writing skills and fluency in English; preferably experience in academic writing.
• A good command of Dutch is preferable, given the institutional context, the project partners and data collection.

The project evaluates specific cases where interventions and pilots that aim to improve accessibility are undertaken. A central feature of the project is that it brings together two complementary types of accessibility challenges. On the one hand, you will study place-based cases: locations that are difficult to reach without a car, for example for work or recreation. These include the Eemshaven (industrial estates and the ferry to Borkum) and the port of Lauwersoog (Wadden recreation and the ferry to Schiermonnikoog), where low public transport frequencies and car-dominant access create clear barriers. On the other hand, you will work on socially oriented cases, where the main the focus is on capabilities or resources of specific target groups. Examples include free public transport for people with lower incomes and neighbourhood-based transport for people with limited physical mobility.

The project explicitly aims to systematically capture and comparing knowledge from different pilots, identifying success factors, and developing lessons for the design and scaling-up of future initiatives. In this way, the PhD contributes to more efficient, sustainable and inclusive mobility policy through close collaboration between science and practice and through learning-based evaluation research.

The candidate will be required to:

• Design and implement a research programme that evaluates innovative accessibility initiatives, in consultation with the supervisory team and project partners.
• Conduct empirical research in real-world pilot settings, including fieldwork and engagement with policymakers, practitioners, and users.
• Write a PhD thesis consisting of four research chapters, an introduction and discussion at the level of international scientific journals.
• Publish research findings in international peer-reviewed journals and present results at academic conferences and professional events.
• Contribute to knowledge exchange and societal impact through outreach activities, collaboration with practice partners, and communication via professional and public channels.
• Contribute to the activities of the Transport Geography research group.
• Contribute approximately 15% of their time to teaching, including supervising students and assisting in courses.

The Faculty of Spatial Sciences (FRW) is an interdisciplinary faculty that makes a significant impact on societal issues such as climate, broad prosperity, population decline, healthy ageing, and sustainable energy. With approximately 100 staff and over 100 PhD students, we engage daily in up-to-date and relevant teaching and research in the fields of planning, demography, and geography. Through our research programme TRACE (Transformations, Communities, and Environments), we are committed to internationally oriented, interdisciplinary research. With two Bachelor’s and seven Master’s programmes, the Faculty offers broad educational opportunities to about 1,100 students from around the world. The Faculty of Spatial Sciences plays a crucial role in understanding and shaping the living environment of the future. We work for and with society. Our motto is: we are making places better together. If you would like to learn more, visit rug.nl/frw.

The position is based in the Transport Geography group of the Department of Economic Geography is one of the four departments in the faculty. the department offers an open and friendly academic environment with an international staff. The department has about 20 members of staff and 25 PhD researchers. The University of Groningen has a very strong reputation as one of the main centers in regional science globally. In terms of teaching, the department of Economic Geography contributes to the BSc Human Geography and Planning and it is responsible for the MSc Economic Geography and the MSc Real Estate Studies. Research in the department is directed towards a wide array of issues related to regional development, such as well-being, labour markets, transportation, migration, entrepreneurship, socio-economic inequalities and real estate, applying quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods.