Lasse Gerrits

This PhD position at Erasmus University Rotterdam focuses on the governance of complex urban transformations, particularly in cities of the majority world. Hosted jointly by the Governance and Pluralism team of the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) and the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), the project investigates how cities evolve in response to social, political, economic, and environmental pressures. The research aims to answer key questions about the conditions under which cities transform, the influence of governance on these transformations, and the likelihood of achieving attainable urban futures. The successful candidate will independently design and implement comparative and longitudinal research, covering multiple cities and countries, and utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods, including digital processing of archival, newspaper, and policy data. The position offers a four-year contract (1+3 years), a competitive salary, generous leave, and extensive professional development opportunities. The candidate will be embedded in vibrant PhD networks at ESSB and IHS, with access to interdisciplinary expertise and support. Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree, have experience with mixed-methods research, and demonstrate affinity with digital tools and complexity sciences. The university values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The application deadline is 21 November 2025, with a start date of 1 January 2026 or soon after. For more information and to apply, visit the EUR website.