PhD Position in Social Sciences
VU University of Amsterdam
Netherlands

Location: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) / Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA)
Consortium: JUST ART – Creating Common Grounds for Climate Justice Through Artistic Research
Intended Start Date: July or September 2026

Project Overview

As one of ten PhDs within the JUST ART consortium, and one of the two positions located at VU/HvA, this PhD focuses on regenerative economies.

A climate-just approach to producing life-sustaining goods ensures equitable and sustainable production and distribution for all societal groups. This PhD explores solutions to the challenges entrepreneurs face when producing life-sustaining goods regeneratively. Regenerative practices require business models supported by organizational designs that restore nature and communities, creating products that enhance, rather than deplete, earth and social systems.

You will collaborate with entrepreneurs of the Network Regenerative Practices, hosted by the Centre for Economic Transformation at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), to develop artistic and art-based approaches addressing challenges in regenerative entrepreneuring. Research may focus on:

• Regenerative business models: Creating, delivering, and capturing multiple forms of value (economic, social, environmental, human, non-human).

• Entrepreneurship: Sensing and seizing opportunities for regeneration, fostering innovation and resilience.

• Fair economic ecosystems: Analyzing and visualizing life cycles of life-sustaining goods, ensuring traceability, transparency, and accountability.

Candidates may also propose additional research areas aligned with their expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to the JUST ART Consortium community through workshops, writing retreats, and VU Graduate School training.

• Write a doctoral thesis that integrates artistic/art-based research (e.g., exhibitions, workshops) in line with VU Doctorate Regulations.

• Engage with societal partners and organize collaborative knowledge exchange, educational, and dissemination activities.

• Present research in academic, artistic, and societal contexts, and publish at least one peer-reviewed article or book chapter.

• Contribute to teaching in years two and three of the PhD.

• Maintain regular physical presence due to the collaborative nature of the project.

Candidate Profile

Applicants must:

• Hold a relevant second-cycle degree (MA or equivalent) in art, design, entrepreneurship, and/or social sciences.

• Have an active artistic or social design research practice, ideally with engagement in climate justice or environmental questions.

• Be able to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary and intercultural environments, including fieldwork.

• Communicate research effectively to academic and non-academic audiences.

• Have excellent written and spoken English and Dutch skills.

Employment Details

• Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month (PhD, full-time).

• Contract: Initially 1 year, extendable up to 4 years; ends with dissertation submission.

• Fringe Benefits:

  • 38-hour workweek with 232 hours annual leave (pro rata for part-time)

  • 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus

  • Pension scheme (ABP)

  • Commuting contributions

  • Access to sports facilities

Host Institutions

JUST ART Consortium: Six-year project on climate justice and artistic research in the Caribbean and Europe, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and led by University of Groningen. Offers 10 fully funded PhDs in collaboration with TNO and four universities of applied sciences.

HvA Centre for Economic Transformation: Collaborates with VU Arts & Culture and Environmental Humanities groups. Supports entrepreneurial and regenerative practices research.

VU Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities: Comprising nine departments across three schools, focusing on social sciences and humanities research with societal impact.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Values-driven, diversity-focused university with over 6,150 staff and 31,000 students, located in Amsterdam Zuidas.

Application Process

Required Documents (single PDF):

1. Cover letter (max 2 pages A4) outlining interest, qualifications, experience, and motivations. Mention if applying to more than one JUST ART position.

2. CV

3. Research proposal (max 500 words) describing approach to “art & regenerative entrepreneurship,” including at least one potential case study/collaboration.

4. Writing sample (1,500–5,000 words; e.g., published article, MA thesis chapter, curatorial text).

5. Optional portfolio of artistic work (including online links if applicable).

6. Names and contact details of two referees (letters not required).

7. Official copies of diplomas and transcripts.

Deadline: Invitations for interviews are expected before the end of April. Interviews will take place on May 13, 2026.

Applications received by email will not be considered. Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Contact:

• Floor Timmerman ([email protected])

• Katja Kwastek ([email protected])

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