Cody Hochstenbach

The University of Amsterdam is inviting applications for a PhD position in the political economy of housing, financial policy, and climate adaptation. This interdisciplinary project, supervised by Associate Professor Cody Hochstenbach and Jens van 't Klooster, will explore the Dutch housing system and its distributive conflicts in the context of the ongoing climate crisis. The research will analyze how different ways of financing climate adaptation have varying distributional implications, affecting stakeholders such as real estate owners, financial institutions, the insurance sector, and the state. The project sits at the intersection of political science and social geography, combining the expertise of both supervisors. It will employ perspectives from political science (studying organization and mobilization of key actors), macrofinancial analysis (examining financial interests and exposures), and social class analysis (considering pre-existing class relationships in the housing system). The PhD candidate will develop these approaches to better understand the political economy of climate adaptation in the Netherlands and Germany. Applicants should have a relevant master's degree and a strong interest in the political economy of housing, financial policy, and climate adaptation. Experience with research methods and proficiency in English are expected. The position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment at the University of Amsterdam, collaborating closely with experienced supervisors on a timely and impactful topic. For more information and to apply, visit the official vacancy page. The application deadline is January 20, 2026.