PhD in Art-Science-Action Integration & Challenge-Based Sustainability Education Utrecht University in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at Utrecht University in Art-Science-Action Integration & Challenge-Based Sustainability Education.

This PhD position is hosted by the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development in the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University. The project explores how higher education can better prepare students to contribute meaningfully to complex sustainability challenges by combining academic knowledge, actionable skills, and artistic expression. The research sits at the intersection of sustainability education, transformative learning, challenge-based learning, and arts-based interventions.

The PhD candidate will develop and carry out an independent research programme within a broader interdisciplinary project. Possible topics include how artistic practices support cognitive, affective, and action-oriented sustainability learning; how challenge-based education connects disciplinary knowledge with societal partners; what tensions and opportunities arise in collaborations between artists, scientists, educators, and societal actors; and how skills can be taught to enable action in practice. The work may involve interviews, surveys, observations, focus groups, and analysis of student work, with both qualitative and/or quantitative methods.

The position includes contributing to the evaluation and development of sustainability skills and challenge-based courses, collaborating with educators, students, artists, and societal partners, and sharing findings through conferences, workshops, and peer-reviewed publications. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary supervisory team and participate in doctoral training activities within the Copernicus Institute research community.

Eligibility highlights: a completed Master’s degree in sustainability science, environmental sciences, educational sciences, social sciences, governance, transformation studies, arts-based research, or a related field; strong interest in sustainability education and related topics; strong analytical, academic writing, and communication skills; experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment. Experience with educational research, stakeholder engagement, arts-based methods, or mixed-methods research is an advantage. Dutch-language data collection is also an advantage.

Funding and terms: this is a salaried PhD position (0.8–1.0 FTE) for one year initially, with the possibility of extension to four years after a successful first-year assessment. Salary is €3,204–€4,051 gross per month (scale P, based on a 38-hour week), plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension, partially paid parental leave, flexible terms, and additional benefits.

Application deadline: 11 November 2026.

How to apply: submit your application via the Utrecht University application portal. Include a CV, a motivation letter explaining your fit and interest, and the names and contact details of two academic referees.