PhD Position in Financing the Transition to Regenerative Agriculture at Utrecht University Utrecht University in Netherlands

Utrecht University School of Economics is offering a four-year, fully funded PhD position focused on financing the transition to regenerative agriculture in the Netherlands. The position is part of the ReGeNL project, which aims to support 1,000 Dutch farmers in adopting regenerative agricultural practices. The research will investigate how financial mechanisms can facilitate the shift to more nature-inclusive and climate-resilient food systems, addressing barriers to investment in biodiversity and sustainability. The PhD candidate will join a vibrant research community at Utrecht University, collaborating with colleagues in law, sustainability, and the Sustainable Finance Lab, as well as with other ReGeNL PhD students at partner Dutch universities. The project involves both literature review and qualitative empirical research in Dutch rural areas, requiring excellent Dutch and English language skills. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Helen Toxopeus and Dr. Friedemann Polzin, both affiliated with the Sustainable Finance Lab. The position includes a teaching component (up to 10% of the appointment). Applicants should have a research master's (or strong academic master's) in a relevant field, experience or interest in qualitative research, and a passion for topics such as biodiversity, nature-based solutions, agriculture, climate, and finance. The salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 per month (full-time), with additional benefits such as holiday allowance, year-end bonus, pension, and professional development opportunities. The application deadline is November 6, 2025, with interviews scheduled for November 19. Interested candidates should apply via the Utrecht University website and may contact Dr. Helen Toxopeus for further information.