Esther Turnhout

The University of Twente invites applications for a fully funded PhD position as part of the JUST ART project, focusing on 'ReStor(y)ing (Un)just Land-Water Relationships Through Art-activism.' This interdisciplinary research opportunity aims to develop a 'rurban' lens to examine rural-urban (dis)connections in land-water relationships, with case studies in regions such as Twente and Aruba, both of which have experienced water scarcity. The project leverages environmental art-activism to 're-story' these relationships, foregrounding more-than-human voices and marginalized perspectives through situated narratives and creative collaborations with artists and artistic residencies. As a PhD candidate, you will explore the potential of art-activism for climate justice, working within the broader JUST ART consortium—a six-year initiative funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and led by the University of Groningen. The consortium brings together artists, researchers, campaigners, and communities across the Kingdom of the Netherlands to cultivate diverse strategies for climate justice through artistic research and creative practice. You will collaborate with societal and cultural partners to support creative dissemination and public engagement, including events at Rijksmuseum Twente and pop-up activities in community centers and case study locations. The position is embedded in the Knowledge, Transformation & Society (KiTeS) section of the Technology, Policy & Society department, and affiliated with the RUrban Futures Collective and ArtEZ, University of the Arts, Enschede. You will be supervised by Dr. Corelia Baibarac Duignan, Dr. Steven McGreevy, and Prof. Esther Turnhout, and benefit from a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment with opportunities for collaboration and exchange. The project scope is flexible and can be refined in consultation with the supervisory team and the wider JUST ART community. Applicants should have or be about to obtain a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Science and Technology Studies, Sustainability Transitions, Political Ecology, Anthropology, Design, Futures Studies). Excellent research skills, demonstrated by an outstanding Master’s thesis, are required. Experience with participatory, transdisciplinary, or art-based research methods is desirable, as is prior knowledge of climate justice frameworks. Good command of English is essential; Dutch and other languages are advantageous. Candidates must be available for regular presence at the University of Twente and for fieldwork in the Netherlands and Aruba. The offer includes a full-time, 4-year PhD position with a qualifying evaluation in the first year, excellent mentorship, and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. The gross monthly salary starts at €3,059 and increases to €3,881 in the fourth year, with additional benefits such as holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, and 29 holidays per year. Full employee status is provided, including pension and healthcare benefits. To apply, submit your application online by 27 March 2026, including a CV, cover letter, writing sample, and (if available) a portfolio of artistic work. Provide names and contact details of two references and official copies of diplomas and transcripts. The selection process includes two rounds of interviews, and shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a short research proposal. The desired start date is 1 September 2026. Join a leading technical university with a strong social impact, and contribute to innovative research at the intersection of art, activism, and climate justice. For more information, visit the JUST ART project website or the University of Twente careers portal.

The University of Twente is offering two fully funded PhD positions within the Knowledge, Transformation, and Society (KiTeS) section, focusing on climate justice through artistic research. These positions are part of the NWA-ORC (Dutch Research Council) project "JUST ART: Creating Common Grounds for Climate Justice Through Artistic Research," a six-year initiative spanning the Caribbean and European parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The project brings together academics, artists, and societal organizations to address climate justice using collaborative, artistic, and creative methods. The first PhD project, "Just futures: restor(y)ing (un)just land-water relations through art activism," explores the temporal and intergenerational dimensions of climate justice by examining land-water relationships through art activism. The research will engage with environmental art-activism, develop situated narratives, and collaborate with artists and local stakeholders in regions such as Twente and Aruba. The second PhD project, "Just futures: restor(y)ing multispecies futures through digital media," addresses biodiversity justice by employing digital media and speculative/immersive futures. This project involves artistic experimentation with environmental data and aims to create participatory installations in collaboration with cultural organizations. Both positions are embedded in an interdisciplinary team, including supervisors Prof. Esther Turnhout, Dr. Corelia Baibarac Duignan, and Dr. Steven McGreevy, and offer opportunities for collaboration with a wide network of academic and societal partners. The research environment is vibrant and supportive, with excellent facilities and a strong focus on personal and professional development. Applicants should have or be about to complete a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Science and Technology Studies, Sustainability Transitions, Political Ecology, Anthropology, Design, Futures Studies, Media Studies). Strong research skills, experience with participatory or art-based methods, and proficiency in English are required. Dutch language skills are desirable but not mandatory. Regular presence at the University of Twente and willingness to conduct fieldwork in the Netherlands and Aruba are expected. The positions are fully funded for four years, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension scheme, and family-friendly policies. The application deadline is 27 March 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Twente careers portal or the JUST ART project website.