This PhD position at Utrecht University, embedded in the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the ECCO project (Empowering Citizen COllectives in societal transitions). The project investigates how grassroots citizen collectives in areas such as housing, work, income, and sustainability can become powerful drivers of societal change. As a PhD candidate, you will focus on how these collectives mobilise broad groups of citizens to support sustainability transitions, examining the development of organisational and digital infrastructures for large-scale engagement.

Your research will be highly collaborative, involving networks such as LSA, Energie Samen, and Cooplink. You will use qualitative and action research methods to analyse current mobilisation efforts, identify challenges, and co-develop practical approaches through workshops and working sessions. The position is part of a cohort of 11 PhD candidates from multiple Dutch universities and disciplines, including social psychology, urban planning, governance studies, and design thinking. You will benefit from joint research days, workshops, and events, as well as a strong support network of experienced supervisors and peer mentoring.

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to sustainability research and teaching. The Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University is a leading centre for studies on the Earth, sustainability, and innovation, with a focus on major strategic themes such as Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability.

Key responsibilities include conducting interviews, participant observation, document reviews, facilitating workshops, creating catalogues of digital and organisational tools, developing scenarios for expanding citizen mobilisation, and producing both academic publications and practitioner-oriented brochures. Your work will have real-world impact, directly empowering citizen collectives and influencing policy, while also building your skills in transdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge translation.

Applicants should have a relevant academic background, ideally with familiarity in sustainability transitions, transformative social innovation, and social movement theories. Practical experience with community organising and/or social design is welcome. Strong command of qualitative research methodologies and research design is required. Dutch proficiency is highly valued, and excellent English is mandatory, proven by recent language test scores or relevant academic diplomas.

The position offers a four-year contract (one year initially, with extension upon successful assessment), a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible terms of employment, and professional development opportunities. Utrecht University values diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment for all staff.

To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, academic diplomas and grade lists (with certified translations if needed), at least two academic reference letters, English language test results if required, and a research outline (max two pages) via the university's application portal. Optional: include publications or other scientific output. Interviews are scheduled for March 2026, with results expected at the end of the month. The application deadline is 15 February 2026.