Phd Position: Empowering Regenerative Agriculture

2 maanden geleden


Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

**Your job**:
This interdisciplinary PhD research project aims to explore the conditions under which farm businesses are empowered to transition to regenerative agriculture, as well as to interrogate the role of existing regenerative agriculture schemes and key, but often overlooked food system actors (among which farmer organisations, banks, advisors and insurance companies, and suppliers) to (dis)empower farm businesses. This PhD project will advance a conceptualisation of empowerment in transitions to regenerative agriculture, and investigate empirically to what extent and how different agrifood governance arrangements and food system actors (dis)empower farm businesses.

This PhD research project is part of ReGeNL, a transition programme for Dutch agriculture to become based on regenerative practices. It is a transdisciplinary program in which, together with food system actors, we will actively shape the transition and develop solutions required to spur concrete action. This not only involves technical and agronomic solutions, but also social innovations, new revenue models based on social and environmental value creation and new forms of cooperation throughout the value chain from farm to fork. Within ReGeNL, Utrecht University particularly focuses on these socio-economic aspects of the transition.

Within ReGeNL, you will be part of a collaboration between the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development (Utrecht University), where you will be based, and the Rural Sociology Group (Wageningen University & Research). You will be supervised by Dr Giuseppe Feola and Dr Jerry van Dijk at Utrecht University, and Dr Margriet Goris at Wageningen University & Research.

This PhD position is an exciting opportunity to investigate the uneven power dynamics and the institutional, political, social, economic, and cultural barriers, and possibilities for overcoming them. It will identify and critically analyse changing articulations of power vis-à-vis historically and geographically determined political economic structures, value chains and rural-urban relations. This project will be informed by an interdisciplinary theoretical perspective drawing on environmental and sustainability transition governance, rural geography and sociology, political ecology, and political economy, and will likely involve a mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative research methods, including literature review, interviews, surveys, participatory observation and transdisciplinary workshops.

**Your qualities**:

- a Master's degree in Environmental Governance, Rural Studies, Political Ecology or similar social science, preferably with a critical and interdisciplinary orientation, and a focus on sustainability transitions/transformations of agrifood systems;
- familiarity and interest in theories of power and empowerment;
- sound qualitative research skills and proven experience with field research;
- interest in quantitative research and experience with quantitative analyses (e.g., statistics, network analysis) is a plus;
- ability and willingness to work across different disciplines, experience in participatory research is a plus;
- full proficiency in English and Dutch and excellent communication skills (both written and oral);
- ability to work well independently as well as under supervision;
- ability to work under time pressure and to navigate multiple tasks simultaneously.

Note: you do not need to fulfil all of these requirements. Please indicate your strengths and interests in the letter of motivation.

**Our offer**:
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 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,872 and €3,670 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.

**About us**:
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 You



  • Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    In this PhD position, you will do research within the project 'Restoring the structural collagen network in the regeneration of cartilage' (Re-COLL). In particular, you will focus on the development of an innovative cartilage tissue-on-a-chip system, enabling detailed investigations into the structural network of the tissue itself. **Your job**: Tissue...


  • Amsterdam Oost, Nederland AMOLF Voltijd

    **PhD-position: Quantum nano-optomechanics**: **Work Activities**: The Photonic Forces group at AMOLF is looking for PhD students to join our team working on the intriguing physics of nano-optomechanical systems. We are fascinated by the ability of light to measure and control mechanical motion in new and powerful ways. We seek to challenge the limits of...


  • Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    With the pressing need to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers, this PhD project explores the microbial interplay between sulfur and nitrogen metabolism in crops like soybean. By utilising advanced metagenomics, transcriptomics, and elemental analysis, the project aims to identify plant-microbe regulatory networks that enhance crop nutrition and...


  • Amsterdam Oost, Nederland AMOLF Voltijd

    **Two PhD positions: Metasurfaces for energy-efficient wave-based computing**: **Work Activities**: Metasurfaces are ultra-flat and compact nanophotonic elements that are pursued worldwide to replace conventional bulky optical elements like mirrors, lenses, and prisms. Going beyond simple optics replacements, metasurfaces can also perform data processing on...


  • Utrecht, Nederland UMC Utrecht Voltijd

    We are seeking an ambitious PhD student for our multidisciplinary team to build new technological solutions for developmental biology and preclinical research. You will develop bioprinted tissues to generate and expand hematopoietic stem cells.**Elke dag de zorg en de gezondheid van mensen verbeteren**Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden**Jezelf continu blijven...


  • Amsterdam Oost, Nederland AMOLF Voltijd

    **PhD Position: The stochastic thermodynamics of nanomechanical computers**: **Work Activities**: - Scientific background - _The energy consumption of computers is a significant scientific and societal problem: Information technology is already responsible for more CO2 emissions than the airline industry. At the fundamental level, the energy cost of a...


  • Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    **Your job**: In single case experimental designs (SCEDs), as applied in therapy effect evaluation, 10-15 measurements of 2-4 outcome variables are typically taken over time. Despite the relative small amount of data, a powerful evaluation can be obtained if (i) the therapy effect on all the outcome variables is evaluated simultaneously, and (ii) the...


  • Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    **Your job**: Many of the standard equations in mathematical physics are based on the fundamental assumption that matter is continuous. In this project, we will revisit such equations by dropping this continuum assumption. We will consider spatial networks - random graph-like structures that permeate space - as the basis and attempt to describe commonly used...


  • Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    Stem cells are valuable tools for modelling human and animal diseases, as well as a source of differentiated cells for use in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. An essential prerequisite for using stem cells in medicine is the assurance of genetic stability. We are looking for a postdoc to be involved in research on the pathogenesis of stem cell...


  • Amsterdam Oost, Nederland AMOLF Voltijd

    **Work Activities**: - Scientific background - _The energy consumption of computers is a significant scientific and societal problem: Information technology is already responsible for more CO2 emissions than the airline industry. At the fundamental level, the energy cost of a computation is dictated by the laws of thermodynamics: computations must evolve in...

  • Combined Phd

    4 maanden geleden


    Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    Are you interested in university change agent education and how it leads to societal impact? The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is offering a combined PhD - Lecturer position for someone with strong data analytics skills and a keen interest in different forms of change agent education. **Your job**: Universities are increasingly expected to...

  • Postdoctoral Researcher

    3 maanden geleden


    Utrecht, Nederland UMC Utrecht Voltijd

    We offer a full-time (1.0 FTE) post-doctoral researcher position on Urethral Tissue Engineering for reconstructive surgery.**Elke dag de zorg en de gezondheid van mensen verbeteren**Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden**Jezelf continu blijven ontwikkelen vinden we belangrijk** **Dit ga je doen** Your project is part of a larger project with the aim of generating...

  • (Md) Phd Student

    3 maanden geleden


    Utrecht Oost, Nederland Prinses Máxima Centrum Voltijd

    **The Tytgat Group** Our group’s mission is to translate foundational research into clinical practice. With a focus on imaging, we assess the clinical efficacy of imaging techniques for staging and prognosis in newly diagnosed patients, as well as their prognostic significance during follow-up. We aim to leverage imaging findings to measure therapy...


  • Utrecht Binnenstad, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    PhD position within ERC-funded project RESPIRE to study intersectional power dynamics and socio-environmental in/justice through planetary breathing and suffocation. **Your job**: The PhD position is a part of a research project RESPIRE: Planetary Breathing in Asphyxiating Times lead by Dr. Magdalena Górska and funded by the European Research Council. Your...


  • Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    Are you excited about the use of contemporary AI in video game play and development? Do you want to study novel, enhanced player experiences or integrate cutting-edge approaches to open new avenues in games? Then this PhD is for you! The Multimedia group at Utrecht University offers a four-year PhD position in Player-Centric Video Game AI. In contrast to...


  • Utrecht, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    PFAS (per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are so-called ‘’forever chemicals’’ that are found everywhere: in our soils, water, food and bodies. PFAS contamination of soils is an increasingly important global issue, and we still lack sustainable methods for PFAS remediate. The PFAS Remediation Living Lab is a contaminated location at the Utrecht...


  • Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    Are you interested in techno-economic optimisation and comparison of novel electrified processes for the large scale synthesis of platform molecules? Join the Energy & Resources group of the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development for this exciting PhD project! **Your job**: Societal relevance: The transition to a CO2 net-zero society requires a...


  • Utrecht, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    Science communication often involves hyped, overly broad claims about research findings. What are the causes, social epistemological risks, and who’s responsible? In this PhD project, you will be researching these questions. **Your job**: We are offering a fully funded four-year PhD position to a researcher interested in philosophically and experimentally...


  • Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    Are you interested in posttraumatic stress and improving and evaluating interventions for vulnerable groups, together with healthcare professionals who carry out treatments on a daily basis? Then this is PhD position may be interesting to you. **Your job**: Existing trauma-focused treatments are not always appropriate for traumatised people from refugee...


  • Utrecht Oost, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd

    This PhD position is part of a larger interlinked PhD programme that is set up as a cooperation between four universities in the Netherlands (RUG, TUD, TU/e and UU), RWE and TNO. This PhD programme is investigating different aspects that are related to the development of the large-scale offshore wind farm - OranjeWind - in the North Sea, about 53 kilometres...