PhD in Parenting and Caregiving in Contaminated Water Landscapes Utrecht University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences focuses on the physical and social implications of parenting and caregiving in areas affected by PFAS water contamination. The project bridges human geography and sustainable water management, addressing a planetary health challenge by exploring how PFAS contamination impacts families and communities. PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals’, circulate through water systems and bodies, leaving both physical and social traces in affected environments.

The research aims to connect natural and social science perspectives, which are often studied separately, by examining parents’ everyday experiences and future visions in contaminated landscapes. The project will use a planetary health lens to disentangle human and non-human interactions in polluted environments. The candidate will combine qualitative social science methods with soil and water measurements and PFAS modelling, aiming to understand and support parents, stimulate stakeholder exchange, and advocate for healthy environments for children.

Supervision will be provided by Dr. Sara Brouwer (Geography & Education), Prof. Ajay Bailey (International Development Studies), and Dr. Stefanie Lutz (Environmental Sciences). The research will address stakeholder mapping, water quality modelling, and qualitative methods to understand how parents and caregivers experience and respond to PFAS contamination. Case studies will be selected in Europe or Southern Africa, based on candidate and supervisory team expertise and networks.

The PhD candidate will join a network of researchers working on planetary health topics within the Faculty of Geosciences and Utrecht University’s Life Sciences strategic theme. The project combines theoretical perspectives from toxic geographies, political ecology, geographies of children, youth and families, health geography, environmental justice, and creative participatory methods, alongside sustainable water management techniques such as contaminant fate and transport, soil and water sampling, and water quality modelling.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Human Geography, Sustainable Development, Environmental Social Sciences, or a related discipline, with methodological training in qualitative empirical methods. Affinity with planetary health, geographies of children, youth and families, and diffuse pollution is expected. Knowledge of soil and water processes and numerical modelling skills, or motivation to acquire these, is required. Candidates should demonstrate independent thinking, critical analytical skills, organisational skills, flexibility, communication skills, and a collaborative attitude. International candidates must provide Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and grade lists in English if selected. Visa/work permit processing for non-EU candidates requires at least four months, supported by the International Service Desk.

The position is for one year, with extension to four years upon successful assessment, aiming for completion of a doctorate. The working week is 36–40 hours, with a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 (full-time), 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible terms of employment under the CAO NU. Utrecht University offers additional professional development, leave arrangements, and options for sports and cultural activities.

Utrecht University values diversity and strives for an inclusive environment. Knowledge security screening may be part of the selection process. The application deadline is 10 June 2026, with the first round of interviews scheduled for 19 June 2026. To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and two references via the university’s application portal. For more information, contact Dr. Sara Brouwer.