About the Program
The PhD position in Social Innovation Initiatives in Rural Areas at the University of Groningen offers an exceptional opportunity to study how social entrepreneurship and community-led innovation shape rural development. This fully funded doctoral project is part of the prestigious EPHEMERAL Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN), funded under Horizon Europe. The research focuses on depopulating rural regions, examining how social enterprises such as community-led village shops and local services evolve over time. Housed within the Faculty of Spatial Sciences, this project combines geography, sociology, anthropology, and entrepreneurship using qualitative and quantitative methods. You will work in an international research network, including secondments at the University of Valencia and University of Southern Denmark, contributing impactful research to journals and policy discussions.
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Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Groningen
- Department/Faculty: Faculty of Spatial Sciences – Department of Cultural Geography
- Supervisor: Not specified
- Location: Groningen, Netherlands
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2026
- Duration: 4 years (1+3 structure, subject to progress)
- Funding: Fully funded (MSCA-DN, Horizon Europe)
- Salary/Stipend: €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month + allowances
- Working Hours: Full-time (38 hours per week)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Research Focus/Area
- • Social innovation in rural areas
- • Rural entrepreneurship and community enterprises
- • Human geography and socio-spatial change
- • Depopulation and rural development
- • Social networks and place-based development
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Human Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Entrepreneurship or related field
- Strong interest in rural development and interdisciplinary research
- Excellent English writing and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Previous academic writing or publications
- Strong conceptual and analytical thinking skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Key Features of the Program
- Participation in the EPHEMERAL international doctoral network
- Secondments at University of Valencia and University of Southern Denmark
- Access to international training weeks and workshops
- Opportunities for high-impact journal publications
- Strong interdisciplinary supervision and networking
Application Process
How to Apply:
Apply online through the official University of Groningen career portal.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter (1 page, in English)
- Short research sketch (1 page maximum)
- Academic CV (with publications, if any)
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Contact details of two referees
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Ongoing
- Deadline: 15 December 2025 (23:59 Europe/Copenhagen)
- Interviews: To be scheduled after shortlisting
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Groningen
- Official Notification: click here
- Application Portal: clickk here
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