Ministerie van Defensie
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PhD Position in Scaling Dutch Defence (SCANED): Production Networks and Capacity Ministerie van Defensie in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
Funding for a four-year PhD project; salary indication €3,913–€6,244 gross per month on scale 10 for 38 hours per week.
Deadline
Nov 27, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Ministerie van Defensie
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About this position
Scaling Dutch Defence (SCANED) is a collaborative PhD project at the Faculty of Military Sciences of the Netherlands Defence Academy in Breda, carried out with Tilburg University. The project examines how the Dutch defence organization and relevant parts of Dutch industry can prepare for large-scale conflict scenarios in which civilian industry may need to be reoriented toward the production of defence materiel and related materials.
The research looks at defence-related production networks and capacity, with room to extend the analysis to Europe because many supply chains are internationally organized. The project is organized into two complementary PhD tracks. One track takes an organizational governance perspective on how production networks can be initiated, developed, activated, and scaled. The other track focuses on quantitative analysis of production networks and production capacity, including how critical networks can be identified and activated and how capacity can be sustained before a conflict occurs.
The PhD candidate will work in a research setting that bridges the Netherlands Defence Academy and Tilburg University, with academic embedding in either the School of Behavioral Sciences or the School of Economics depending on the track. The position sits within the Section of Military Logistics and Information in the Department of Military Business Studies at the Faculty of Military Sciences. The project also involves collaboration with senior defence professionals and supervision from experienced researchers at both institutions.
The opening is designed for a candidate who wants to combine rigorous academic research with a practical contribution to defence resilience, industrial readiness, and public-private coordination. The successful applicant will develop an original dissertation project, publish and present research through academic and professional channels, and contribute to interdisciplinary discussions around security, logistics, and industrial preparedness.
Funding details
Funding for a four-year PhD project; salary indication €3,913–€6,244 gross per month on scale 10 for 38 hours per week.
What's required
Applicants should have an academic research master's degree in a relevant field. For track A, a (nearly) completed Research MSc with background in public administration, business administration, political science, organizational science or a related field is preferred, with affinity for defence issues, governance, public-private collaboration, and social network analysis, plus strong qualitative and quantitative research skills. For track B, a (nearly) completed Research MSc with background in business analytics, economics, econometrics, supply chain management, technical business administration, operations research, or a related discipline is expected, with at least 24 ECTS in quantitative methods and demonstrated quantitative research skills. Candidates must be fluent in Dutch, have good written and spoken English (minimum IELTS 7.0), be able to work independently and in teams, communicate well, and be willing to undergo a security screening. Familiarity with the military context is a plus but not required.
How to apply
Submit your CV, motivation letter, and an additional document (Word or PDF, max 5 MB) through the online application form. In your motivation letter, state whether you apply for promotion place A or B. Apply via the provided application link before the deadline.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.