About the PhD Position
Utrecht University invites applications for a Fully Funded PhD position in human–landscape interactions and environmental adaptation within the Delta Climate Centre (DCC), based in Vlissingen, the Netherlands.
This doctoral project examines how Zeeland communities live with environmental risks in a changing delta. It contributes to ongoing research in Cultural Anthropology & Environmental Change, addressing climate resilience, place attachment, and socio-cultural adaptation to hazards. The position is embedded in the interdisciplinary “Delta Values” project and collaborates with University College Roosevelt and regional partners.
The role is funded for four years, initially 18 months, with extension after a positive evaluation. The gross monthly salary ranges between €3,059 and €3,881 under the Dutch Universities CAO (scale P). Research activities include interviews, ethnography, questionnaires, archival research, and participatory futuring methods focused on Zeeland province. The project offers structured doctoral training, interdisciplinary teamwork, and strong societal engagement.
This opportunity suits candidates with backgrounds in anthropology, environmental history, or social and environmental psychology. It is ideal for those pursuing academic or policy-oriented research careers in climate adaptation and sustainability transitions.
Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Human–Landscape Interactions & Climate Adaptation
- Institution: Utrecht University, Netherlands
- Department: Delta Climate Center (DCC)
- Research Group: Delta Values Project
- Location: Vlissingen / Utrecht, Netherlands
- Duration: 4 years (18 months + 2.5-year extension)
- Start Date: May 2026 (negotiable)
- Funding: €3,059–€3,881 gross per month + 8% holiday pay + 8.3% year-end bonus
- Employment Type: Full-time (36–40 hours per week)
- Number of Positions: 1
Research Focus
The project will explore:
- Human relationships with delta landscapes
- Climate risk perception and adaptation narratives
- Place attachment and community resilience
- Interviews, ethnography, and questionnaires
- Historical archival research in Zeeland
- Participatory “futuring” and imagination methods
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in anthropology, environmental history, social psychology, or a related field
- Strong academic background in socio-environmental research
- Fluency in Dutch and English
- Ability to conduct independent and interdisciplinary research
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative methods
- Ethnography, interviews, archival research, or cognitive mapping skills
- Stakeholder engagement experience
- Academic writing samples (published or unpublished)
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the official university recruitment portal.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing sample
- Academic transcripts
- Referee contact details
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 March 2026 (22:59 UTC)
- Interviews: 31 March – 2 April 2026
- Expected Start Date: May 2026 (negotiable)
Where to Apply
- University Website: Utrecht University
- Official Notification: PhD position at DCC
- Application Portal: PhD at Utrecht University
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