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PhD in Art-Science-Action Integration & Challenge-Based Sustainability Education Utrecht University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Education
Funding
Gross monthly salary between €3,204 and €4,051 per month based on a 38-hour working week, plus 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 0.8–1.0 FTE for 1 year with extension to a total of 4 years upon successful assessment in the first year.
Deadline
Nov 11, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Utrecht University
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About this position
The PhD project is based in the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University and focuses on how art-science-action integration and challenge-based learning can strengthen transformative sustainability education. The position sits at the intersection of sustainability education, transformative learning, arts-based interventions and higher education research.
The doctoral researcher will investigate how universities can prepare students to contribute meaningfully to complex sustainability challenges. The project examines how academic knowledge, action-oriented skills and artistic expression can be brought together to support student learning, professional impact and engagement with real-world sustainability issues. A key setting for the research is challenge-based learning, where students from different disciplinary backgrounds collaborate with educators, artists and societal partners.
The PhD candidate will develop and conduct an independent research programme within a broader interdisciplinary project. The work includes designing empirical research in higher-education contexts, analysing qualitative and/or quantitative data, and translating findings into academic and practical outputs. The project also involves contributing to the evaluation and further development of sustainability skills and challenge-based courses, as well as strengthening collaboration between educators, students, artists and societal partners.
The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment within Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences, with links to the university’s broader sustainability agenda and strategic themes. The project aims to generate knowledge that is both scientifically strong and relevant to educational practice, with opportunities to present at conferences, publish in journals and take part in doctoral training activities.
Funding details
Gross monthly salary between €3,204 and €4,051 per month based on a 38-hour working week, plus 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 0.8–1.0 FTE for 1 year with extension to a total of 4 years upon successful assessment in the first year.
What's required
A completed Master’s degree in sustainability science, environmental sciences, educational sciences, social sciences, governance, transformation studies, arts-based research, or a related field; a clear interest in sustainability education, transformative learning, challenge-based learning, art-science collaboration or 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 but not required. Being able to collect data using interviews or surveys in Dutch is also an advantage.
How to apply
Apply via the AcademicTransfer application link. Submit your application before 11 November 2026. For questions about the vacancy, contact Karin Rebel at [email protected].
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.