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Utrecht University

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PhD in Co-production of Land Use Futures for Brazil Utrecht University in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Fully funded PhD project through the Dutch Research Agenda and the Brazilian research council CNPq. The position is 1.0 FTE for 1 year initially, with extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first year. Gross monthly salary is between €3,204 and €4,051 for full-time employment, plus 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus.

Deadline

Oct 13, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Utrecht University

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Sociology
Agriculture
Conservation Biology
Geography
Urban Planning
Social Justice
Human Geography

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About this position

Utrecht University is advertising a fully funded PhD in co-production of land use futures for Brazil, based in the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning within the Faculty of Geosciences.

The project focuses on the MATOPIBA region in the Brazilian Cerrado, a landscape of major agricultural importance and high biodiversity value. The research asks how future land use strategies can balance agricultural production, biodiversity conservation, social justice, and climate resilience. The PhD candidate will work with stakeholders including policy makers, private-sector actors, Indigenous people, Quilombola communities, and smallholder farmers to understand aspirations for productive agriculture and healthy biodiversity.

Methodologically, the role involves qualitative field research, including field observations, focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and participatory/co-creation mapping. The project is part of Frontiers of MATOPIBA landscapes and includes collaboration with another PhD candidate at Utrecht University, consortium partners in Brazil, and the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Eligibility highlights: an MSc in Human Geography, International Development Studies, Critical Agrarian Studies, or a related social science field (or near completion); strong interest in land use, environment, and livelihoods; experience with qualitative methods and stakeholder engagement; Portuguese and English proficiency; and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. Experience with participatory GIS and work with rural communities, Indigenous peoples, or Quilombola is desirable.

Funding and terms: the position is 1.0 FTE for one year initially, with extension to four years after a successful first-year assessment. Salary is €3,204–€4,051 gross per month for full-time employment, plus holiday pay and year-end bonus.

Application: apply through the Utrecht University vacancy page using the online application button. Prepare a CV and motivation letter. The deadline is 13 October 2026, and interviews are planned for 26 October. The intended start date is 1 January 2027.

Funding details

Fully funded PhD project through the Dutch Research Agenda and the Brazilian research council CNPq. The position is 1.0 FTE for 1 year initially, with extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first year. Gross monthly salary is between €3,204 and €4,051 for full-time employment, plus 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus.

What's required

MSc degree in Human Geography, International Development Studies, Critical Agrarian Studies, or a related Social Science discipline, or nearing completion of such an MSc. Applicants should have an interest in land use impacts on the environment and livelihoods, experience in qualitative field research and working with diverse stakeholders, proficiency in Portuguese and English, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research team. Desirable but not required: experience with participatory GIS and mapping techniques, and experience working with rural communities, Indigenous peoples, and/or Quilombola.

How to apply

Apply via the 'apply now' button on the Utrecht University vacancy page. Submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation. Contact Kei Otsuki by email for more information if needed.

More information can be found here

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