Postdoctoral Researcher: Effectiveness, Integrity and Synergies of Cooperative Climate Action

1. Introduction

Do you want to contribute to an interdisciplinary research project? As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will explore the integrity, synergies and trade-offs in cooperative climate action, and the relation between cooperative climate action and governmental climate policies

2. Job description

This two-year position is part of a broader research initiative investigating whether collaborative arrangements between non-state actors (e.g. companies, developers, investors, local communities and NGOs) and public actors (national and subnational governments), or ‘cooperative climate initiatives’ (CCIs), can play a role in strengthening global climate governance and accelerating sustainable transformations. The research particularly focuses on non-state and subnational actors and their contributions to climate action, with a special emphasis on the built environment. 

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will lead quantitative and/or mixed methodology analyses assessing the effectiveness, credibility and integrity of CCIs, with a focus on the trade-offs and synergies between adaptation and mitigation objectives. The research will also examine the built environment as a sector where these synergies and trade-offs are particularly relevant in CCIs that include, for example, developers, construction companies, investors and municipalities. You will collaborate with project partners in the Climate Action, Measurement, Data and Analysis (CAMDA) and Achieving High Integrity Voluntary Climate Action (ACHIEVE) projects to ensure methodological rigour and maximise policy impact.

3. Profile

• You will conduct high-quality research on CCIs, focusing on trade-offs and synergies between adaptation and mitigation goals, particularly in the built environment.
• You will engage with policymakers, transnational city networks and other stakeholders to ensure the policy relevance of your research.
• You will publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and contribute to policy briefs and reports.
• You will present your research at international conferences and workshops.
• You will contribute to teaching at the graduate and/or undergraduate level.
• You have a PhD in environmental studies, climate policy, urban studies, economics, political science, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• You have a strong background in quantitative research methods, including statistical modelling, data analysis, machine learning, and/or GIS analysis.
• You have proven expertise in climate action, governance and/or urban sustainability.
• You are familiar with climate policy frameworks such as NDCs, net-zero targets, and the SDGs, as well as non-state and subnational governance structures.
• It is an advantage if you have experience with research on climate change adaptation and/or mitigation policies, climate action in the built environment, and/or urban climate policy.
• It is desirable that you have proficiency in R, Python, SQL, or equivalent programming languages. 
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills in English (Dutch proficiency is an advantage).
• You are able to work independently while actively contributing to interdisciplinary and collaborative research environments

4. We are

We are a dynamic, diverse and interdisciplinary team of researchers examining the integrity and effectiveness of non-state, subnational and cooperative voluntary climate action. Our work spans the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment at the Nijmegen School of Management and the Department of Environmental Science at the Faculty of Science. Through high-quality research, publications and knowledge exchange, we strive to make a meaningful impact both academically and in practice.

Our team collaborates closely with internationally renowned researchers to explore the emergence, legitimacy, integrity, influence and impacts of climate action worldwide.

As a member of our team, you will join a welcoming and collaborative research environment where openness, teamwork and intellectual curiosity are highly valued. We foster an inclusive space for sharing ideas, exploring innovative approaches and supporting professional development.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2 years.
• Your salary will start at a maximum of step 5 in salary scale 10, depending on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Sander Chan. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Friday 9 May. You will preferably start your employment on 1 July 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information.