PhD in Future-Proof Jobs for Vulnerable Workers in Smart Industry at Radboud University Radboud University in Netherlands

Radboud University is advertising a fully funded PhD position in Future-Proof Jobs for Vulnerable Workers in Smart Industry at the Nijmegen School of Management in the Netherlands. The project sits within the Smart Skills@Scale programme and the Strategic Human Resource Management group, with a strong focus on future of work, inclusive workplaces, Industry 5.0, human resource management, organizational psychology, and social science approaches to work and labour-market transitions.

The PhD research will examine how work is changing in smart industry environments and how to support vulnerable workers through better job design, inclusive technology support, and career development. The advertised work includes an integrative systematic literature review, qualitative research with employed and unemployed vulnerable workers, and the development of simulation and job redesign interventions. The project is embedded in a large national and international collaboration involving universities, SMEs, social partners, and industry stakeholders.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Occupational Psychology, Management Science, or a related social science field. The post asks for strong qualitative research skills, interest in sustainable careers and HRM/organisational behaviour, and preferably experience or sensitivity in working with vulnerable groups such as neurodivergent workers, workers far from the labour market, or workers with disabilities. A strong command of Dutch and English is required, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Funding and conditions: this is a salaried PhD employment contract (1.0 FTE) for 4 years in total, starting with 1.5 years and extending by 2.5 years after positive evaluation. Salary starts at €3,059 gross/month and increases to €3,881 gross/month in year four, plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, leave days, pension, and development opportunities.

Application window: the deadline is 30 April 2026. The position is based in Nijmegen, Netherlands, with a planned start in September 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the Radboud University vacancy page.