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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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PhD in Governing Sustainability Transitions in the Greenhouse Sector Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Aug 14, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Sociology
Agriculture
Political Science
Management
Governance

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About this position

PhD position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on governing sustainability transitions in the greenhouse sector

The Athena Institute of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, together with the Copernicus Institute of Utrecht University, is recruiting a PhD candidate for the Greenhouse in Transition project. The project focuses on sustainability transitions, governance, innovation systems, and mission-oriented innovation in the greenhouse sector, with a strong social science and policy orientation.

The research examines how to support a transition to more sustainable and circular controlled-environment agriculture without fossil energy, while reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. The project connects technology, growers, and policymakers, and investigates the social, political, and economic dimensions of innovation and transformation in the Netherlands and the United States.

You will work in a collaborative research team and be supervised by a joint promotion team from VU Amsterdam and Utrecht University. The supervisors named in the post are Dr. Kristiaan Kok, Dr. Loeber, Dr. Wojtynia, and Prof. Negro. The role includes conducting qualitative social science research, writing scientific articles for a PhD thesis, contributing to policy advice, organizing workshops and consortium activities, presenting at conferences, and following formal PhD training. Teaching in Athena Institute working groups is also part of the role (up to 0.2 FTE).

Eligibility highlights: a completed Master’s degree in a relevant interdisciplinary social science field; experience with qualitative methods such as interviews, ethnography, document analysis, or focus groups; interest in inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration; strong organizational and communication skills; research, writing, and presentation experience; and excellent English plus B2 Dutch.

Funding: the position is offered at 0.8 FTE with a salary of €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month for full-time employment. The contract starts for 1 year with a possible extension. The post also notes budget for fieldwork in the United States.

Application deadline: 14 August 2026. The recruitment process includes at least two interview rounds, with interviews planned for late August/early September and a hoped-for start in October or November.

How to apply: submit your application via the vacancy portal. Include your CV, a 1-page motivation letter, and a 1-page research idea for the project. Applications by email will not be considered.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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