PhD Position in Urban Transformation, Gender, and Development Studies at Radboud University Radboud University in Netherlands

Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands, is offering a fully funded PhD position in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies. The project, titled 'Women Building Cities,' is part of the NWO-funded WECARE initiative and focuses on how women in peripheral communities in Latin America transform their urban environments to become more liveable, sustainable, safe, and democratic. The research will use qualitative, participatory, and co-production methodologies to explore grassroots place-making, local leadership, and alternative urban governance systems, with a particular emphasis on feminist and gender approaches, social justice, and development.

The successful candidate will conduct in-depth fieldwork in Lima, Peru, and potentially another Latin American city, working closely with women in marginalized communities to understand how they overcome violence and create thriving urban spaces. The project is supervised by Dr Sonja Marzi (PI), Dr Tine Davids, and Dr Edwin de Jong, all based at Radboud University. The research will involve comparative case studies, data analysis, conference participation, and co-authorship of publications. Training in advanced participatory and audio-visual research methods will be provided.

Applicants must hold a Master’s or Research Master’s degree in Geography, Anthropology, Development Studies, or a related field, and demonstrate strong qualitative research skills, experience with fieldwork, and fluency in English and Spanish. Familiarity with Latin American urban contexts is essential. Desired qualifications include experience with participatory, arts-based, and audio-visual research, as well as prior work in Latin America. The position requires residency in the Netherlands, preferably near Nijmegen, and active participation in the department’s academic community.

The PhD position is fully salaried, starting at €3,059 gross per month and rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, with additional benefits such as holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, flexible working hours, and generous leave. The initial contract is for 1.5 years, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation. The application deadline is April 12, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Radboud University application portal.