This PhD position at Utrecht University, embedded within the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the ECCO project (Empowering Citizen COllectives in societal transitions). The project investigates how grassroots citizen collectives can become powerful drivers of societal change, particularly in the context of sustainability transitions. The research will focus on how these collectives mobilise broad groups of citizens, build organisational and digital infrastructures for large-scale engagement, and translate insights into practical strategies for societal partners. As a PhD candidate, you will use qualitative and action research methods to analyse current mobilisation efforts, identify challenges, and co-develop practical approaches with networks such as LSA, Energie Samen, and Cooplink. Your work will involve conducting interviews, participant observation, document reviews, and facilitating workshops on infrastructure development. You will also create practical catalogues of digital and organisational tools, develop scenarios for expanding citizen mobilisation, and produce both academic publications and practitioner-oriented materials. You will join a cohort of 11 PhD candidates from multiple Dutch universities and disciplines, including social psychology, urban planning, governance studies, and design thinking. The position offers real-world impact, innovative research methods, a strong support network, and opportunities for societal engagement and career development. The Copernicus Institute is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to sustainability research and teaching, and the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University is a leading centre for research on the Earth's systems and human-environment interactions. Applicants should have a relevant academic background, strong qualitative research skills, and an interest in sustainability transitions, social innovation, and social movement theories. Practical experience with community organising or social design is an asset. Dutch proficiency is highly valued, and excellent English is required (with specific language test criteria outlined in the post). The position is for one year initially, with extension to four years upon successful assessment, and includes a competitive salary, benefits, and professional development opportunities. To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, reference letters, English language test results (if required), and a research outline via the Utrecht University application portal by 15 January 2026. For more information, visit the official job posting.

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University is recruiting a PhD candidate for a new project within the ECCO (Empowering Citizen COllectives in societal transitions) initiative. This research focuses on how citizen collectives can build the infrastructure and capacities for mass mobilisation, aiming to widen engagement beyond their immediate communities and drive sustainability transitions. The project is part of a large, interdisciplinary consortium funded by the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA), involving academic and societal partners, and is coordinated through the CollectieveKracht platform. The PhD candidate will explore how grassroots organisations in areas such as housing, work, income, and sustainability can become powerful drivers of societal change. The research will use qualitative and action research methods to analyse existing mobilisation efforts, identify challenges, and co-develop practical approaches with networks like LSA, Energie Samen, and Cooplink. The candidate will facilitate workshops, conduct interviews, and embed themselves in ongoing change processes to help collectives envision and develop organisational and digital tools for broader participation. The position is embedded in a cohort of 11 PhD candidates from multiple Dutch universities and disciplines, offering a strong support network, peer mentoring, and opportunities for joint research days, workshops, and events. The research will have real-world impact by empowering citizen collectives and influencing policy, and will provide career development in transdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge translation. Applicants should have a background relevant to sustainability transitions, social innovation, or social movement theory, with experience in qualitative research and action research. Dutch proficiency is highly valued, and excellent English is required. The position is fully funded for four years, with a competitive salary and benefits under the Dutch university system. The application deadline is 15 January 2026. For more information, contact Professor Flor Avelino ([email protected]) or Dr Jonas Colen Ladeia Torrens ([email protected]). To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, academic diplomas and grade lists, at least two academic reference letters, English language test results (if required), and a research outline via the Utrecht University application portal.