PhD Position in Geography

Faculty:
Faculty of Geosciences

Department:
Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning

Hours per week:
36 to 40

Application deadline:
27 July 2026

Are you passionate about understanding the growing politicization of science and how to address these topics in university education? Then this four-year PhD research project is for you!

Your job

University science and education are in the midst of a storm: political developments and new, more confrontational forms of knowledge politicization have entered the realms of academic research and education. Political movements are increasingly challenging academia through questioning university collaboration between nations with different political orientations, research on specific emerging technologies and collaborations with societal partners. But some also question the use of certain terminology, and even disciplinary legitimacy. At the same time, students are raising questions about the societal roles and responsibilities of universities.

How should we understand these new ways in which universities are politicized? What does this tell us about evolving relations between science and society? How should teachers and educational programmes deal with such politicization? And how can conversations about politicization be facilitated in meaningful ways in the classroom? Are there specific didactics, or methods for deliberation and facilitation of sensitive topic discussions that could improve geoscience education in a politicized context?

We are seeking a motivated and talented researcher for this PhD project to study the new and growing politicizations of science and how to address them in academic education. The project will focus on the geosciences, where these developments are highly potent. Since geosciences includes both social sciences and natural sciences disciplines, the plurality of politicizations is especially high. Furthermore, geosciences faculties are especially active in research and education related to sustainability, one of the most increasingly politicized knowledge domains. Therefore, understanding new politicizations of geoscientific knowledge in research and education will be key in understanding the broader phenomenon. It also provides the perfect testcase to develop didactic tools to address these politicizations in the classroom.

The PhD candidate will have to opportunity to develop and apply qualitative and quantitative methodological skills to answer relevant timely questions. The PhD will be part of a warm and interdisciplinary team of researchers and educators who work at the intersection of Science and Technology Studies, Political Science, and Educational Sciences.

We invite applications from ambitious candidates with a relevant background and a passion for the politicization of knowledge and addressing political/controversial topics in university education. The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, with close collaboration with the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development.

Your qualities

• You have a (Research) Master's degree in Science and Technology Studies, Political Science, Educational Sciences, a Geography or Sustainability related educational program or a related discipline.
• You have affinity with the politicization of science and education. Interest in geosciences and sustainability research is welcome as well.
• You are interested in the intersection between Science and Technology Studies and Educational Sciences.
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Dutch proficiency is preferred.
• You are able and excited to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• You have a clear understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• You are willing to acquire new skills as required for the research of the PhD project.

Our offer

• a position for 1 year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Jaap van Slageren at j.vanslageren@uu.nl.

Online screening may be part of the selection. Commercial response to this ad is not appreciated.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone will flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae (including grades list) and a letter of motivation of max. 2 pages via the 'apply now' button.

The first round of interviews will take place in week 35 (24th August - 30th August).

If you have an international (non-Dutch) Master’s diploma, you will be requested to provide your Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas as well as the corresponding grade lists (in English) if you are selected for this position.

Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the International Service Desk (ISD) of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. Unfortunately, we must warn that it is a tight market at the moment. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

The application deadline is 27 July 2026.