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Utrecht University

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PhD in Imagination Infrastructures, Planning Techniques, and Climate Adaptation Utrecht University in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Anthropology

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Aug 19, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Utrecht University

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Keywords

Anthropology
Environmental Science
Sociology
Political Science
Geography
Urban Planning
Science And Technology Studies
Ethnography
Human Geography
Climate Resilience
Policy Analysi

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About this position

PhD opportunity at Utrecht University in urban planning, spatial planning, climate adaptation, and human geography.

This PhD project, based in the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, examines how planning techniques shape decisions about climate risk, development, and the urban futures that become imaginable. The project focuses on the role of valuation tools such as cost-benefit analysis (CBA), and on the “imagination infrastructures” that sustain them, including guidelines, standards, networks, and practices.

The successful candidate will conduct qualitative case study research on urban planning and climate adaptation projects, including interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, and document analysis. The research will trace how planning techniques travel between global expert and financial networks and local planning practice, and will contribute to new conceptual approaches to planning under climate change.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Urban or Spatial Planning, Science and Technology Studies, Human Geography, Urban Studies, Sustainability Studies, Political Science, Sociology, or Anthropology. Strong qualitative research skills, analytical and academic writing ability, creativity, independence, and excellent English are required. Experience with STS-inspired approaches, futuring, or planning systems is an advantage.

This is a paid PhD position for 1 year initially, with extension to 4 years after a successful first-year assessment. The salary is €3,059–€3,881 gross per month for full-time employment, plus holiday pay and year-end bonus.

Deadline: 19 August 2026. Interviews are expected in the week of 14 September.

How to apply: Submit your application through the Utrecht University “Apply now” button. Prepare one PDF with CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and two references, plus a separate PDF writing sample of up to 10 pages.

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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