PhD Position on Organising Phase-Out for Just Sustainability Transitions

At the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, we have an exciting four-year PhD position available.

Your job
The transformation towards a net-zero society in 2050, as well as other sustainability targets, require exnovation and departing unsustainable production processes across different sectors. For enterprises in many sectors, this requires phase-out of existing processes and divesting entire operational units. Such processes have many implications and hold challenges in terms of social and economic (in)justice. How are processes of decline and phase-out organised, and what are their organisational and societal implications? What are the underlying organisational dynamics and how do enterprises interact with governments, knowledge institutions, civil society organisations and local communities? Often, phase-out processes are contested by internal as well as external stakeholders. How can such processes be organised in a just manner?

This PhD project investigates the process dynamics of exnovation, decline and phase-out towards sustainability across sectors and enterprises where (binding) phase-out targets are in place. Examples are agriculture, mobility, energy, or chemistry. Based on qualitative (case) studies in the selected sector(s), you will follow and/or reconstruct processes and interactions between the parties involved, analyse their discourse and actions, and identify implications and opportunities for organising phase-out in a just manner.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious colleague to further strengthen our group with a focus on organisational dynamics and just sustainability transitions. You will be positioned at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development and embedded within two sections: Innovation Studies and Energy & Resources. It will be supervised by Dr Christina Bidmon, Dr Sanne Akerboom and Professor Flor Avelino.

The following qualification criteria are important to this role:

• You have a Master's degree in a relevant field such as innovation studies, innovation management, political science, science and technology studies, business or governance studies, or another relevant discipline.
• You have a good understanding of societal challenges, in particular climate change in relation to (in)justice.
• You have experience in qualitative research methods.
• You are a good professional and scientific writer and you can also write for a wider audience.
• You have good social and communication skills.
• You have an interest in academic teaching. Relevant experience in this is a plus.
• You possess strong English language skills and, preferably, proficiency in Dutch.
• You can work independently, but also have the skills to work well within a team.

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period.
• a working week of 32-40 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);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Shaping science, sharing tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development wants to have a positive impact on the transition to a sustainable society, which includes a focus on both the climate and nature challenges and how they interrelate. We do this by developing excellent and relevant knowledge in interdisciplinary teams and by educating the change agents of the future. The Copernicus Institute has had an excellent research evaluation in 2021 and the institute takes pride in maintaining its leading position in national and international sustainability research, and by developing new, internationally oriented teaching programmes. The institute consists of five research groups (sections): Innovation Studies, Environmental Governance, Environmental Sciences, Energy and Resources, and the Utrecht Futures Studio. This PhD project will be embedded in the Innovation Studies group and in the Energy and Resources group.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The position is available as of May or June 2024, but other starting dates can be discussed. We will ask all selected candidates for a first interview to draft a brief research plan of 1 page (A4), to prepare before the interview. We plan the first round of interviews to take place on 10 April 2024.