PhD in Relational Monitoring for Liveable Futures Utrecht University in Netherlands

The Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD position in Relational Monitoring for Liveable Futures, embedded in the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development and the Urban Futures Studio. This research opportunity focuses on developing knowledge infrastructures that support innovative approaches to monitoring, emphasizing the connection between knowledge and action for transformative change. The project aims to move beyond traditional object-oriented monitoring, instead foregrounding relations, context, and interdependence to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, and inequalities.

As a PhD candidate, you will analyze and intervene in monitoring practices, exploring how diverse types of evidence can be integrated and how meaningful relations to context and lived experience can be incorporated into knowledge infrastructures. You will engage with projects related to biodiversity, land use, and water resource management, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design and develop organizational and digital tools for relational monitoring. Qualitative methods and action research will be central to your work, including interviews, participant observation, document analysis, and facilitation of workshops.

The Urban Futures Studio is a transdisciplinary group that collaborates with policymakers, activists, artists, and students to enable alternative futures. Your research will contribute to prototypes, experiments, and novel implementations that clarify and legitimate the role of knowledge infrastructures in democratic societies and futuring. You will benefit from a strong support network, peer mentoring, and a dynamic cohort of PhDs, with opportunities for societal engagement and career development in stakeholder engagement, design, and knowledge translation.

Applicants should have a background relevant to epistemology, sustainability transformations, transformative social innovation, or science and technology studies. Practical experience with monitoring and/or design is advantageous. Required competencies include qualitative research methodologies, effective communication, independent and reflective thinking, and comfort in inter/transdisciplinary settings. Dutch proficiency is highly valued, and excellent command of English is mandatory, proven by recent TOEFL or IELTS scores, or relevant diplomas from specified countries or institutions.

The position offers a one-year contract, extendable to four years upon successful assessment, with the intent to complete a doctorate. The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 (full-time), plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible terms of employment. Utrecht University provides additional schemes for professional development, sports, and cultural activities, allowing you to tailor your employment conditions.

To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, names and emails of two academic referees, English language test results (if required), and a research outline (maximum two pages) via the 'apply now' button. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The first round of interviews will take place in late June, with results expected by the end of July. The starting date is 1 September or soon after. International candidates must provide Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and grade lists in English if selected. Visa/work permit processing may take at least four months, with support from the International Service Desk. Housing advice is available, though the market is tight.

Utrecht University values diversity and strives to create a safe and inclusive environment for all staff. Knowledge security screening may be part of the selection process. For further information, contact Prof. Anne Beaulieu. The application deadline is 27 May 2026.