Fully Funded PhD and Postdocs at Utrecht University

31 January 2022

Below you will find the available fully funded PhD and Academic Vacancies at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, along with their details and deadlines, created by our expert team of Fastepo experts. It should be noted that this post will be updated regularly with information about PhD and Academic Jobs at Leiden University.

Utrecht University

The University of Utrecht is a Dutch public university located in the city of Utrecht. It was founded on April 26, 1636, as the University of Harderwijk and is the oldest university in the Netherlands.

The university has three campuses in Utrecht, one of which is an archaeological site. The university has been awarded top international rankings for its research and education quality. In 2018, it was ranked as one of Europe’s top 200 universities by QS World University Rankings.

The cost of education at Utrecht is relatively low compared to other European countries with an average yearly tuition fee of around €3,000 ($3,600) and a grant that covers up to €9000 ($10,800). The university offers scholarships for international students.

In the Netherlands, PhD students often receive a salary since they are hired as employees through a fixed-term contract. If you want to know more, read “Salary of PhD students and Postdocs in the Netherlands.”

Available Fully Funded PhD Positions at Utrecht University

You will find here vacancies for PhD positions at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Title: PhD Position on Inclusive Mobile Ageing (PhD Utrecht)

Location: Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning

Application deadline: 15.02.2024

Salary: a full-time gross salary between €2,770 in the first year and €3,539 in the fourth year of employment in scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities;

Summary:

They seek a PhD candidate for a project on older adults’ experiences with digital mobility technologies. The research, part of the ‘Inclusive Mobile Ageing’ initiative funded by Utrecht University, will assess the impact of these technologies on the social inclusion and well-being of older adults in the Netherlands. The role involves mixed-method research, including quantitative analysis and qualitative interviews, in collaboration with the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning and The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should have:

  1. Education: A Master’s degree in Human Geography, Urban Planning, Social Science, or related fields, with a focus on mobility research.
  2. Skills: Experience or interest in mobility research, proficiency in qualitative methods (like interviews and focus groups), and data coding (Nvivo, Atlas.ti, or similar).
  3. Technical Expertise: GIS mapping, basic statistics, and familiarity with R, SPSS, or similar software.
  4. Languages: Fluency in Dutch for local research and excellent English writing skills.
  5. Qualities: Curiosity, flexibility, proactivity, collaborative nature, and strong planning and communication skills.
  6. Teaching: Willingness to contribute to teaching within the department.

This position is ideal for those passionate about studying the intersection of aging, technology, and urban mobility.

More Details and Apply.

Title: PhD on Exploring Other-than-Human Homes in the Urban South – Subproject Semarang (PhD Utrecht)

Location: Department of Sustainable Development

Application deadline: 09.02.2024

Salary: A working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU); 

Summary:

The Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development is seeking a PhD candidate for the ‘Homescapes’ project, led by Dr. Tatiana Acevedo Guerrero. This research focuses on understanding the socio-ecological dynamics of low-income neighborhoods in Semarang, Indonesia. The candidate will participate in ethnographic fieldwork, data analysis, academic conferences, and contribute to publications as part of a diverse 42-member team.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should have:

  • A (Research) Master’s degree in a relevant Social Science field.
  • Experience in ethnographic and qualitative research methods, preferably related to urban Indonesia.
  • Proficiency in English and Indonesian (Javanese is a plus).
  • Strong planning, organizational, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, contributing to an engaging academic environment.

Responsibilities include conducting fieldwork, completing a PhD thesis, co-authoring publications, and active participation in academic and team activities.

More Details and Apply.

Title: PhD on Assessing Environmental Impact of Floating Structures (PhD Utrecht)

Location: Department of Physical Geography

Application deadline: 21.02.2024

Salary: a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU); 

Summary:

Utrecht University and Deltares are seeking a PhD candidate for their ‘Floating Future’ project. This role involves researching and designing large floating structures for flood-resilient living spaces on water, focusing on minimizing ecological impacts and integrating aquaculture. The candidate will develop 3D numerical models to study these structures’ environmental effects and collaborate with experts at both institutions.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should possess:

  • A Master’s degree (MSc) in aquatic ecology, oceanography, marine science, physical geography, or related fields.
  • Experience or interest in numerical modeling and aquatic ecology.
  • Strong quantitative skills, preferably with knowledge of Python or Matlab.
  • A deep interest in aquatic environments.
  • Proficiency in English (C1 level) and excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary, and diverse team.
  • Openness to interdisciplinary and institutional collaboration.
  • A VOG (Statement of Behavior) for access to Deltares locations.

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative research in environmental science and to engage in academic and personal development through teaching and coursework.

More Details and Apply.

Title: PhD on Exploring Other-than-Human Homes in the Urban South – Subproject Maputo (PhD Utrecht)

Location: Department of Sustainable Development

Application deadline: 09.02.2024

Salary: A working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU); 

Summary:

The Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development seeks a PhD candidate for its HOMESCAPES project, led by Dr. Tatiana Acevedo Guerrero. This research focuses on urban socio-ecological relations in low-income neighborhoods across Indonesia, Colombia, and Mozambique. The role involves 12 months of fieldwork in Maputo, examining the impact of infrastructural and ecological changes on local homescapes.

Requirements:

  • Education: (Research) Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, with a focus on urban studies, political ecology, or similar fields.
  • Experience: Proven expertise in ethnographic research, preferably in urban Africa.
  • Skills: Strong academic writing, ability to conduct independent research and collaborate in a team.
  • Language: Fluency in English and Portuguese; Changana is a plus.
  • Characteristics: Committed to addressing social injustice and inequality, with a willingness to engage in a dynamic academic environment.

More Details and Apply.

Title: PhD: The Role of Social Innovations in Enabling Nature-Based Solutions in Cities (PhD Utrecht)

Location: Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning

Application deadline: 20.02.2024

Salary: a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)

Summary:

They are seeking a PhD candidate to conduct research on social innovation and nature-based solutions in the Mediterranean. The role involves contributing to the “CARDIMED” project, focusing on sustainable urban and regional development. Supervision will be provided by experts at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development and the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should possess:

  • A Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography, Political Science, Policy Studies, Sustainability Science, or a related field.
  • Exceptional research skills and ethical practices, including qualitative data analysis and experience in structured interviews, workshops, focus groups, and participatory research.
  • Fluency in English (both written and oral).
  • Proficiency in one or more Mediterranean languages: Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, or Turkish.
  • The ability to work independently and collaboratively, with efficient time management skills to balance PhD and research project responsibilities.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

Desirable qualities include:

  • Experience in publishing as a lead author in conferences or peer-reviewed journals.
  • Knowledge of European environmental policies.
  • Familiarity with social innovation, action research, activist networks, and climate adaptation/resilience.

More Details and Apply.

Title: PhD on the Role of Knowledge in Planning & Governance of Nature-Based Solutions (PhD Utrecht)

Location: Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning

Application deadline: 20.02.2024

Salary: a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU); 

Summary:

They are seeking a PhD researcher to study knowledge’s role in the inclusive planning and governance of nature-based solutions in Mediterranean cities and regions. The role involves analyzing knowledge types (like expert, tacit, indigenous) for urban and metropolitan governance. This position is part of the “CARDIMED” project and is based at the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should have:

  • A Master of Science in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography, Political Science, Policy Studies, Sustainability Science, or related disciplines.
  • Excellent research skills, ethical practices, and experience in qualitative data analysis, including structured and semi-structured interviews, workshops, focus groups, and participatory research.
  • High proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing).
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with effective time management skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable qualities include:

  • Proficiency in Mediterranean languages (Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Turkish).
  • Experience in publishing in conferences or peer-reviewed journals.
  • Familiarity with European environmental policies.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the field of urban and regional resilience, particularly in the Mediterranean region.

More Details and Apply.

Available Postdoc Positions at Utrecht University

You will find here vacancies for postdoctoral positions at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Title: Postdoc Position in Algebraic Geometry (1.0 FTE)

FACULTY: Faculty of Science

Application deadline: 20.02.2024

Salary:

a full-time gross salary, depending on previous qualifications and experience, ranging from €3,226 to €5,090 in scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO);

Summary: This two-year postdoctoral position is part of the ERC-funded project “Surfaces on fourfolds,” focusing on enumerative geometry, specifically on surfaces in Calabi-Yau fourfolds and related areas. It is set within a larger project including two PhD and two postdoctoral roles, running from September 2023 to September 2028. The role involves joining Dr. Martijn Kool’s team at the Utrecht Geometry Centre, Utrecht University, with a research focus extending from algebraic to differential geometry. While primarily research-oriented, teaching opportunities are available if desired.

Requirements:

Candidates for this position should exhibit enthusiasm and proficiency in the field, demonstrated by the following qualifications:

  • Holding a PhD, or being near completion, in algebraic geometry or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
  • A demonstrated strong interest in areas such as moduli theory and enumerative geometry.
  • Fluency in English, encompassing both speaking and writing skills. Proficiency in Dutch is not a requirement for this position.

More Details and Apply.

Title: Postdoc Position in Algebraic Geometry (1.0 FTE)

FACULTY: Faculty of Science

Application deadline: 20.02.2024

Salary: a full-time gross salary, depending on previous qualifications and experience, ranging from €3,226 to €5,090 in scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO)

Summary:

This two-year postdoctoral role, part of the “Surfaces on fourfolds” ERC project, focuses on enumerative geometry in relation to Calabi-Yau fourfolds. The role involves both collaboration on this project and the opportunity for independent research. Based at the Utrecht Geometry Centre, Utrecht University, the role does not require regular teaching but offers the option if interested. The ideal start date is September 1, 2024.

Requirements

Candidates should be enthusiastic and skilled, with the following qualifications:

  • A PhD or near completion in algebraic geometry or a related field, expected by the appointment date.
  • A strong interest in moduli theory, enumerative geometry, or related areas.
  • Proficiency in English for both speaking and writing. Dutch language skills are not mandatory.

More Details and Apply.

Available Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in the Netherlands

Please see the following list for fully-funded PhD and Postdoctoral positions at Dutch universities in case you can’t find a corresponding position in the Netherlands.

Would you like to know the salary amount of PhD and postdoc positions in Europe? 

You can find all the available full-funded PhD positions in different countries here.

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