2 PhD positions on project Cocreating Research to Improve Science for Policy (CRISP) Leiden University in Netherlands

Leiden University is recruiting 2 PhD candidates for the project Cocreating Research to Improve Science for Policy (CRISP), a funded research collaboration under the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA). The positions are based at the Institute of Public Administration, Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, in The Hague.

CRISP investigates how research evidence can better support policymaking by strengthening collaboration between researchers and policy actors. The project is embedded in a larger consortium of knowledge institutions and government ministries, and the PhD research will be conducted in co-creation with practice partners and other stakeholders. The consortium includes eight PhD candidates and three postdoctoral researchers, creating a strong interdisciplinary and early-career research environment.

Applicants will work on one of two subprojects. The first, “Seeing science for policy through the eyes of the policy worker,” focuses on the everyday practice of policy officers: what they need to work in an evidence-informed way, which obstacles they face when using evidence, and how practical advice and toolkits can support them. The second, “Organizing science-for-policy arrangements,” takes an organizational perspective, examining how institutional arrangements shape the interaction between knowledge and policy and how they might be redesigned to improve evidence use. Both PhD projects also include empirical research on the policy impact of behavioral advisors within the Dutch government.

The projects are supervised by Dr. Valérie Pattyn and Dr. Johan Christensen. The role includes developing a coherent PhD plan, conducting literature reviews and empirical research, co-creating outputs with practice partners, writing an English-language doctoral dissertation within four years, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at academic and practitioner conferences, participating in consortium activities, and contributing up to 15% to teaching.

The position is well suited to candidates with a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Organisation Studies, Science and Technology Studies, or a closely related interdisciplinary field. Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative social science methods is expected, alongside excellent English and sufficient Dutch, or a clear willingness to learn Dutch quickly. An interest in evidence-informed policymaking, knowledge use, policy processes, and public organizations is central.

Funding includes a full-time, four-year employment contract under the CLA of Dutch Universities, with a gross monthly salary of €3,240 to €4,051, plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension, commuting reimbursement, and other employment benefits. The intended start date is in Q1 2027.

Applications are accepted until 2026-12-03. To apply, candidates must submit a cover letter, CV with referees, a writing sample, transcripts, and any additional supporting documents through the online application system. Interviews are expected shortly after the deadline.