Fully Funded PhD in Urban Utopias and Urban Policy in Amsterdam University of Amsterdam in Netherlands

Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Amsterdam in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences for a project titled Urban Utopias and Urban Policy in Amsterdam. The position is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and focuses on urban policy, urban studies, housing, sociology, anthropology, and qualitative research.

The project examines how grassroots and community-led housing initiatives in Amsterdam are creating fairer, more sustainable, and more inclusive alternatives to profit-driven urban development. Research themes include collective and affordable housing models, community-led urban futures, legal and financial barriers, policy support, and the historical connection to radical housing movements such as squatting.

The PhD researcher will conduct interviews, observations, and fieldwork; write a dissertation within four years; present at international conferences and public events; and teach in the Sociology programme for 10% of the appointment.

Eligibility: applicants should have a master's degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Urban Studies, or a related social sciences field. The announcement encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and especially welcomes women and underrepresented groups.

Funding: the position is fully funded and includes a gross monthly salary of €3,059–€3,881. Application materials requested are a CV (max 2 pages), motivation letter (max 1 page), and a research proposal (max 1,400 words excluding references).

Deadline: 1 September 2026. Interviews are scheduled for 16 and 18 September 2026.