This fully funded PhD position at Erasmus University Rotterdam offers a unique opportunity to investigate the social effects of democratic decision-making within citizen collectives. Hosted by the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) and linked to the Erasmus School of Philosophy, the project is part of the ECCO consortium and the Governance & Pluralism team, providing a vibrant academic environment and peer cohort. The four-year research project aims to understand whether citizen collectives act as 'schools for democracy' by exploring how participatory decision-making influences civic engagement and pro-social behavior beyond the collective. The study will compare different types of citizen collectives, including cooperatives and co-housing eco-villages, focusing on both labor market and non-work settings. A key output will be the development of a psychological assessment tool—a serious game—to measure civic engagement and cooperative tendencies, embedding data collection within gameplay. As the PhD researcher, you will conduct comparative research, design and implement the serious game, analyze spillover effects of collective participation, collaborate with networks such as LaNSCO, and publish both academic and practitioner-oriented outputs. The position emphasizes transdisciplinary research, close collaboration with citizen collectives, and the development of creative methodologies that engage practitioners. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field (social/cultural anthropology, public administration, psychology, sociology, political science, or transition studies), strong interest in democratic innovation and behavioral sciences, and experience with qualitative research methods. Proficiency in Dutch and English is required, along with the ability to work independently and in teams. Experience with ethnographic or participatory action research and comfort working in communities are advantageous. The employment package includes a competitive salary (€3,059 - €3,881 gross per month for full-time), 41 days paid leave, holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension contributions, and support for relocation (including the 30%-ruling for eligible candidates). Additional benefits cover work-life balance, personal development, and access to university facilities. The position starts on 1 September 2026, with an initial one-year contract and extension for three more years upon proven suitability. Applications should be submitted online with a motivation letter and CV before 15 February 2026. The selection process involves one or two interviews, expected in mid/end-February. For further details, visit the EUR website or contact the supervisors, Professor Tine De Moor and Professor Lise Jans, via the provided email addresses. Erasmus University Rotterdam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and positive societal impact, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. The university is recognized for its interdisciplinary research and global outlook, making it a leading institution in Europe.

The Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University Rotterdam is offering a fully-funded, full-time PhD position in Sustainability and Management, starting September next year. The position is based in the Department of Business-Society Management (B-SM) and is part of the Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to freely choose their own research topic within the broad area of social and/or environmental sustainability management and will work with leading scholars in the field, including Marius Van Dijke, Flore Bridoux, Joep Cornelissen, Tine De Moor, Emilio Marti, Corinna Frey-Heger, Steve Kennedy, Jan Lodge, Tony J Choi, and Khadija van der Straaten. The program is designed for candidates with a strong academic background and a passion for research in sustainability, business, and society. The position is fully funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend/salary according to university regulations. Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree and demonstrate proficiency in English. The application deadline is January 15, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official vacancy page.

A fully-funded PhD position in (social and/or environmental) sustainability management is available at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam. The successful candidate will have the freedom to choose their own research topic within the broad area of sustainability management and will work with leading scholars in the field, including Marius Van Dijke, Flore Bridoux, Joep Cornelissen, Tine De Moor, Emilio Marti, Corinna Frey-Heger, Steve Kennedy, Jan Lodge, Tony J Choi, and Khadija van der Straaten. The position is part of the Business-Society Management (B-SM) group and the Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM). The program offers a vibrant research environment and access to world-class resources. Applicants should have a strong academic background and a keen interest in sustainability management. The position is fully funded, though specific financial details are not provided. The application deadline is January 15, 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the official RSM Erasmus University portal, following the instructions provided on the vacancy page.

The Business-Society Management department at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position in the area of sustainability and management. This unique opportunity allows the successful candidate to define and pursue their own research topic within the department’s broad expertise, which encompasses the challenges faced by society and the natural environment, and how organisations can address these challenges. Potential research topics include systems and resilience thinking, sustainability in multinational enterprises and global value chains, corporate communication, sensemaking, social innovation, business ethics, philanthropy, alternative organisational and governance forms (such as social enterprises, commons, and cooperatives), corporate social (ir)responsibility, organisational stigma, stakeholder management, and aligning corporate value propositions with societal issues. The department is known for its collegial and diverse environment, with faculty who are world-class, multidisciplinary scholars publishing in top journals and engaging in innovative teaching and research. PhD students are expected to become experts in their chosen topic, develop a research agenda, and produce work suitable for publication in leading academic journals. The program offers comprehensive training through courses, seminars, and close supervision, as well as opportunities to collaborate with faculty from other departments and universities. The position includes full employment as a university employee, with a competitive salary and benefits according to the Dutch university collective agreement. Additionally, PhD candidates receive funding for a 3- to 6-month research visit at a top international university, further strengthening their academic network. Applicants should hold or be near completion of a master’s degree in business, management, sociology, economics, psychology, or a related field, and should demonstrate methodological skills and a passion for research on sustainable development. The department values creativity, self-direction, and a commitment to addressing grand societal challenges through rigorous academic inquiry. The application process requires submission of all documents specified by ERIM, including a cover letter outlining the preferred research topic, methods, and potential supervisory team. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2026. For more information, candidates are encouraged to consult the department’s web pages and the ERIM journals list. The university is committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

A fully-funded PhD position in (social and/or environmental) sustainability management is available at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam. The position is part of the Business-Society Management (B-SM) group and the Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM). Successful candidates will have the freedom to choose their own research topic within the broad area of sustainability management and will work with leading scholars such as Marius Van Dijke, Flore Bridoux, Joep Cornelissen, Tine De Moor, Emilio Marti, Corinna Frey-Heger, Steve Kennedy, Jan Lodge, Tony J Choi, and Khadija van der Straaten. The program is fully funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend or salary. Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree and demonstrate a strong interest in sustainability management. The application deadline is January 15, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Erasmus University Rotterdam website.