PhD in Digital Media, Climate Justice, and Multispecies Futures at University of Twente University of Twente in Netherlands

The University of Twente is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position within the Technology, Policy & Society faculty, specifically in the Knowledge, Transformation & Society (KiTeS) research group. The project, titled "JUST FUTURES: ReStor(y)ing Multispecies Futures Through Digital Media," explores how artistic research and digital media can advance climate justice by reimagining multispecies futures. The research critically engages with environmental data, including pollution metrics, biodiversity surveys, citizen science data, and museum or natural history collections, to challenge conventional notions of relevant knowledge in environmental governance.

The successful candidate will develop multi-sensory, immersive, and participatory installations, explore rurban spaces in the Twente region where climate and biodiversity injustices emerge, and combine artistic experimentation with data, code, and critical making. Collaboration with artists, cultural institutions, and societal partners such as Tetem, Museumfabriek, and Artis is integral to the project. The research scope is flexible and will be refined with the supervisory team and the wider JUST ART community.

Applicants should hold or be about to obtain a Master’s degree in Media Studies, Media Art, Science and Technology Studies, Political Ecology, Anthropology, Design, Futures Studies, Sustainability Transitions, or related fields. Strong research skills, demonstrated by an outstanding Master’s thesis, are essential. Experience or interest in artistic research, immersive or multisensory methods, speculative design, data feminism, DIY or critical making, and a good command of English are required. Dutch language skills are an advantage. Candidates must be willing to engage with academic, artistic, and societal partners and be physically present in Enschede for collaboration.

The position is fully funded for four years, with a gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881, annual salary increases, 29 holidays per year (full-time), an 8% holiday allowance, and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The application deadline is 27 March 2026. The selection process includes online interviews on 11 & 13 May 2026 and in-person interviews on 26 & 27 May 2026.

To apply, submit your CV, a cover letter (max. 2 pages) explaining your motivation and fit, a writing sample (1,500–5,000 words), a short artistic portfolio (if available), contact details of two referees, and copies of diplomas and transcripts via the University of Twente application portal.