PhD Researcher in Power Dynamics of Social Innovation

16 uur geleden


Utrecht, Utrecht, Nederland Universiteit Utrecht Voltijd
About the Job

We are seeking two PhD students to join our research team at the Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development, Universiteit Utrecht. The successful candidates will be part of the POTRANSI project, a 5-year research initiative funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

The project aims to explore the power dynamics underlying social innovation movements, with a focus on decentralized energy production, the sharing economy, eco-communities, and participatory democracy. The PhD students will investigate local initiatives in Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, as well as examine how these innovations are connected through translocal networks.

Research Questions

The PhD students will focus on theoretical and empirical investigations of two or more social innovation movements, studying translocal networks and conducting local case studies. They will also engage in transdisciplinary inquiry and action research, contributing to the development and nurturing of POTRANSI's Transformative Power Arena as a community of practice.

Requirements

We are looking for talented, curious, and engaged graduates in political science, innovation sciences, sociology, organization studies, geography, science & technology studies, or related fields. The ideal candidates will have a strong affinity with and prior knowledge of social innovation, political theory, sustainability transitions, justice, or other relevant social-scientific themes.

Key requirements include:

  • Experience in qualitative research methods such as interviews, participant observation, document reviews, and focus groups.
  • Highly developed organizational, communication, and social skills.
  • Excellent command of English and C1+ level proficiency in at least one of the project's additional languages (Dutch or Portuguese).
  • Willingness to engage in online community-building and digital dissemination through social media.
  • Pro-active, curious, and open-minded attitude.
  • Prepared to contribute to teaching (10% of the time) at the Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development.
What We Offer

We offer a temporary position for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year. The gross monthly salary will be 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)).

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Universiteit Utrecht has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees, including schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes, and schemes for sports and cultural activities.

About Us

Universiteit Utrecht is a research university with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. The Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development is a leading research institute in the field of sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all employees and students, and we value diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.



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