Abrar Admin

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

<div><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">Your function</h2>
The three PhD positions are part of a larger Vici project funded by the Dutch Research Council.
The MAGMAS project aims to couple the geochemistry and geodynamic behaviour of various mantle plume localities within the Atlantic Ocean to better understand how the Earth&rsquo;s mantle composition influences convection. The project includes one field campaign to a remote volcanic island and various research visits to collaborators in the UK and Germany.
The 3 PhDs will apply advanced analytical techniques to analyse minerals and melt inclusions (MI) in volcanics from various plume localities and will use that data in geochemical and geophysical numerical modelling.
The team will work on three main tasks:<ul><li>
Improve the accuracy of plume source composition</li><li>
Quantify changes with tectonic setting and time</li><li>
Determine the impact on convection behaviour and element exchange</li></ul>
Topic 1 will be addressed by determining the elemental and radiogenic- and stable isotope compositions of minerals and melt inclusions. Topic 2 requires comparing the analytical data for various plume localities (Iceland, Azores, St Helena, Ascension, Tristan-Gough). Topic 3 will be addressed by geochemical and geodynamic modelling. The 3 PhDs will work on all three topics by using different techniques.
The analytical work will be performed in the NIGEL laboratories at VU Amsterdam and at laboratories of collaborators in the UK (Edinburgh) and Germany (Munster). The geodynamic modelling will be done at GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany in collaboration with Juliane Dannberg.
Your duties
The PhD students will apply and further develop advanced analytical techniques to determine combined major, trace and volatile element and isotope data on mineral and melt inclusion by wet-chemistry techniques (clean laboratory work), TIMS and MC-ICPMS mass spectrometry (PhD1), and by in situ Laser Ablation MC-ICPMS (PhD2) and SIMS techniques (PhD3). Applicants thus preferably have hands-on experience with analytical geochemistry. The volatile and stable isotope analyses by SIMS will furthermore include high pressure experiments for sample preparation (PhD3). For the geodynamic modelling the PhD students will take part in a 10-day ASPECT coding workshop. Applicants thus preferably have strong affinity in computational methodologies.
Selected candidates will closely collaborate with other team members, colleagues and collaborators. The research will lead to peer-reviewed publications that will be used to write a PhD thesis. The PhD candidates will present the results at national and international conferences, and will contribute to the department&rsquo;s teaching programs. 
 
Planned starting date is January 1st 2027 (or soon after).<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
Your profile</h2><ul><li>
degree in MSc in Earth Sciences</li><li>
strong scientific motivation and interest in mantle geochemistry</li><li>
hands-on experience with relevant analytical techniques</li><li>
affinity with numerical modelling (Python, R, Aspect)</li><li>
excellent ability to communicate in both written and spoken English</li><li>
good social skills.</li></ul>
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
What do we offer?</h2>
Selected candidates will become part of a world-class research team. You will have plenty of opportunities to develop creative ideas and your career. Our team values both independence and collaboration. There will be mentorship and guidance from the project&rsquo;s principal investigator Janne Koornneef and other project members. You will be exposed to a large collaborative international network, through research visits to project partner institutes and attendence to international conferences. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, and we strongly value a healthy work-life balance. You will live in or around the multicultural metropolis of Amsterdam. 
 
All in all a challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts we offer you:<ul><li>
a salary of &euro; 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum &euro; 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment</li><li>
an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.</li></ul>
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:<ul><li>
A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.</li><li>
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus</li><li>
optional model for designing a personalized benefits package</li><li>
space for personal development</li><li>
a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge</li></ul><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
About us</h2>
Project and research group 
 
The MAGMAS project will be carried out within our multi-disciplinary Isotope Geochemistry research group which addresses a wide range of scientific fields, including geochemistry, planetary science, archaeology, environmental science, and forensic research. The NIGEL facility (https://nigel.amsterdam/) headed by the MAGMAS PI is unique in the Netherlands with 2 TIMS, 2 MC-ICP-MS, 1 ICP-MS and 1 ICP-OES instruments and two laser systems for in situ analyses. A new metal free clean laboratory as part of the infrastructure is to be installed within new VO Research Building. The groups expertise with isotope analysis techniques on small samples sizes are applied in NIGEL in collaboration with colleagues from a broad range of fields; e.g., dust provenance, provenance of animals, humans and archaeological materials, authenticity of paints and or artworks or in ancient sediments and volcanics from volcanic arcs. The MAGMAS project will make use of the advanced VU mineral and melt inclusion preparation laboratories but is also intimately related to research done in the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, the VU Stable Isotope Lab, and the Argon Geochronology laboratory with whom we share support staff.
Department of Earth Sciences 
The MAGMAS project will have important implications for the composition of the crust, oceans, atmosphere, and climate, and thus is well-embedded in the broad research done within the major research themes at the VU Earth Science Department. We study our dynamic planet from nano- to planetary scale to quantify the key cycles and interactions in system Earth. Processes taking place over timescales from seconds to millions of years are investigated by combining fieldwork, lab work and computer simulations. By bringing together our fundamental understanding of system Earth and our fresh curiosity we conduct research that is relevant for today&rsquo;s societal challenges including sustainability, climate change and natural hazards. The department&rsquo;s research facilities are regarded as outstanding, while the department&rsquo;s international focus fosters national and international collaboration contributing to high-quality research outcomes. The Department furthermore offers an Earth Sciences BSc and MSc teaching programme.
Faculty of Science 
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity 
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
Interested</h2>
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application before September 10th.
Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.
Applications should include:<ul><li>
Cover letter with motivation (maximum 1 page),</li><li>
Short CV (maximum 1 page)</li><li>
Grade list (of all finalized courses)</li><li>
MSc thesis (for those who have not finished their degree, this could be a draft version)</li><li>
Names and contact details of two references.</li></ul>
In the motivation letter, please specify any preferred analytical approach as mentioned in the duties for PhDs section.
A first round of (Teams) interviews will be scheduled late September/early October. A second round of interviews will take place October/November on site (travel costs will be reimbursed) or online depending on logistical feasibility.
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.</div>

Three PhD positions on VICI project MAGMAS: Mantle plume sources and impact

PhD in soil fauna supporting multifunctionality in regenerative agriculture

<div><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">Your function</h2>
The Ecology &amp; Evolution section at the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is accepting applications for a PhD position with focus on soil animal ecology. The section Ecology &amp; Evolution answers fundamental ecological and evolutionary questions regarding the relationship between organisms and their environment at the full array of hierarchical levels: from molecular ecology to ecosystem research.
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, co-supervised by The Soil Biology Group at Wageningen University.
Are you interested in a PhD focusing on the role of the soil fauna in regenerative agriculture? Working with pioneer regenerative farmers across the Netherlands, this PhD will investigate which combinations of practices can support healthy multi-functional soil fauna communities. This PhD will quantify the role of soil fauna in supporting a range of soil functions for eight different regenerative agricultural business systems, working with 40 plus regenerative farms. The research will include questions like: 1) How do different soil fauna communities contribute to multi-functionality? 2) Can we recommend different combinations of management practices to enhance soil fauna diversity and associated multi-functionality? 3) What are the best indicators for wider monitoring of soil fauna and their functions in regenerative systems?
There is steadily growing pressure on agriculture and the entire food system to increase global production while promoting sustainability in terms of farmers' incomes, soil health, input use, and environmental and climate impact. Regenerative agriculture is a promising avenue to support a healthy, multi-functional and future-proof soil and farming system. Together with regenerative Dutch farmers, ReGeNL is developing a future-proof agricultural sector in which agriculture goes hand in hand with soil health and nature restoration, and a good revenue model for farmers. Between now and 2030, ReGeNL will start the transition to regenerative agriculture with 1000 farmers. The aim is to make regenerative agriculture the new normal by 2040.
This PhD is one of 19 PhDs to support the monitoring, modelling and valuing of regenerative farms in the Netherlands. This large-scale transdisciplinary project (ReGeNL), which started in 2024, will assess which combinations of practices are adopted/recommended for 8 different types of regenerative agriculture systems. The project aims to be an accelerator for the transition to a regenerative, profitable and socially supported agricultural sector. As part of this project, we monitor and model a range of different regenerative agricultural systems to understand which combinations of practices work for a range of agricultural, socio-economic and environmental outcomes. The outcomes assessed include; soil health, water and air quality, biodiversity and socio-economic goals such as farm income, citizen involvement, animal welfare and much more. Moreover, we will study how performance on these outcomes can be valued in food system governance.
As PhD you will work to support research and teaching activities within the A-LIFE section Ecology &amp; Evolution. The role will encompass a variety of tasks including:
Your duties<ul><li>
conduct field and lab research</li><li>
measurements and quantification of soil invertebrate diversity</li><li>
analyse links between soil fauna diversity and key ecosystem functions</li><li>
developing a biodiversity indicator tool</li><li>
teaching in a BSc or MSc course on a topic related to the PhD</li></ul><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
Your profile</h2><ul><li>
a completed master&rsquo;s degree in a field related to the topic the PhD project (e.g. biology, environmental science, agricultural science, or an adjacent field)</li><li>
knowledge or experience in (soil fauna) community ecology, with affinity for field work</li><li>
excellent writing and presenting skills</li><li>
affinity with societal challenges in the domains of agriculture and food systems</li><li>
motivation to work in a transdisciplinary project with many project partners and farmers</li><li>
experience with or interest in quantitative research methods</li><li>
enthusiasm to work in academic teams</li><li>
Dutch proficiency (or willingness to learn)</li></ul>
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
What do we offer?</h2>
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:<ul><li>
a salary of &euro; 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum &euro; 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment</li><li>
an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.</li></ul>
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:<ul><li>
A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.</li><li>
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus</li><li>
solid pension scheme (ABP)</li><li>
contribution to commuting expenses</li><li>
a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge</li></ul><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
About us</h2>
About the department 
The sub-department A-LIFE / Ecology &amp; Evolution offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including stress ecology, species interactions, evolutionary adaptation, symbiotic interactions, climate change and ecosystem functioning. Our strength lies in the ability to integrate studies of adaptive changes across the entire range of biological organizational levels.
About the Soil Biology Group, Wageningen University and Research 
The Soil Biology group integrates knowledge on soil biota across a range of scales from the microbe to the globe. Our mission is &ldquo;to explore the potential of life to increase the quality of soil&rdquo;. Our aim is to advance and share knowledge on how soil life can improve the quality and functioning of soils in agroecosystems around the world, and how land management may impact soil life. We are an international team of over 50 persons, with currently half being PhDs. We have excellent laboratory facilities and support for the development and implementation of soil biological methods.
Faculty of Science 
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity 
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
Interested</h2>
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. Please upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter (maximum one page) where you provide a motivation statement, a detailed qualification statement regarding the positions&rsquo; requirements before 1 August 2026. The job interviews are planned for mid/end August, when possible please take this into account when applying for the position.
Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process. 
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.</div>

<div><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">Your function</h2>
The Athena Institute of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam is looking for 3 motivated PhD candidates to join the Holomicrobiome project. In this position, you will work on understanding and governing transitions towards sustainable food and health systems.
The Holomicrobiome project is funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund and seeks to develop microbiome innovations that can help accelerate transitions towards sustainable and healthy food systems and stimulate economic development. At the Athena Institute, we are involved in studying and supporting the governance of such mission-oriented projects.
Questions that arise are: How can we understand complex transition processes, and how can mission-oriented innovation help govern them? How can we facilitate and monitor transformative learning between different scientists and societal stakeholders? And what business models should we develop to support microbiome innovations?
As a team, we will work on setting up and running Living Labs in which scientists and societal stakeholders will shape the future of the Dutch microbiome innovation systems. We will develop and implement monitoring frameworks to assess the transformative impacts of the project. And we will develop valorisation strategies together with private sector actors. As a PhD candidate, you will be involved in these activities, and you will conduct research both on and for the Holomicrobiome project. This means that you will work in a transdisciplinary way: the project is both the research context and the research object. Based on this research and the project work, you collaboratively write scientific articles that will form the basis for your PhD thesis.
Your duties
We expect to select a team of 3 PhD candidates that will work on a variety of topics within the project. Each PhD candidate will focus on one of the following research themes:<ul><li>
PhD 1: Policy and governance for sustainability transitions 
This PhD candidate will focus on analyzing the (mission-oriented) innovation systems around microbiome innovations in the Netherlands, with a particular focus on the role that policy and governance can play in supporting these innovation systems. This entails studying how policy mixes for mission-oriented innovation can best be developed and implemented, what the roles of government in transitions are, and which governance strategies help to steer large-scale projects through Theories of Change. 
</li><li>
PhD 2: Transdisciplinary collaboration and learning in innovation systems 
This PhD candidate will focus on advancing understanding of how learning and transformative change can be organized, facilitated and analyzed in complex transdisciplinary innovation ecosystems. This also means that there is room to explore for instance the power dynamics between different organizations and stakeholders, how transformative change can best be monitored, and how innovation ecosystems can be best supported. 
</li><li>
PhD 3: Valorisation and (institutional) entrepreneurship for microbiome innovations 
This PhD candidate will focus on developing strategies for valorisation (in the broad sense) of microbiome innovations. They will investigate the role of businesses and (institutional) entrepreneurs, the regulatory and market challenges these actors face, as well as the strategies that they (can) deploy in developing viable business models and value creation for microbiome innovations in different domains, such as human health, agriculture and food.</li></ul>
Within your PhD, together with your promotion team and the broader Holomicrobiome project team, you will conduct different studies. These studies will be largely qualitative and action-oriented (comparative) case studies of which the insights will also support the Holomicrobiome project. The studies will be further specified depending on the different interests of the PhD candidates and the team.
As part of the work at the Athena Institute, you are also expected to contribute to teaching (working groups) in the educational programmes of the Athena Institute (max. 0.2 fte).<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
Your profile</h2><ul><li>
Completed Master degree in innovation studies, sustainable transformation, policy sciences, organization sciences, management and entrepreneurship, or another relevant (interdisciplinary) social science field. Those with combined backgrounds in natural and social sciences are especially welcome to apply.</li><li>
Proven experience with qualitative research methodologies, such as interviews, ethnography or focus groups.</li><li>
Willingness to learn to facilitate interactive workshops with multiple stakeholders in the context of system transformation processes.</li><li>
Experience or interest in inter- and transdisciplinary research approaches in the collaboration between science, policy, practice and society.</li><li>
The ability to work independently as well as in a team, in a flexible, adaptive and pro-active way.</li><li>
Excellent organizational, communicative and collaborative skills.</li><li>
Excellent command of English is required, command of Dutch is highly appreciated.</li></ul>
As we are a growing team, we are looking for a team of PhD candidates that collectively possess a diversity of competences, that can work well together and with the other staff members.
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
What do we offer?</h2>
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:<ul><li>
A salary of minimum &euro; 3.059,00 and maximum &euro; 3.881,00 gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.</li><li>
A position for at least 1 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion exists.</li></ul>
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:<ul><li>
A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.</li><li>
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.</li><li>
Solid pension scheme (ABP).</li><li>
Child daycare facilities available on campus.</li><li>
The possibility to work partly from home.</li></ul><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
About us</h2>
Athena Institute 
The Athena Institute addresses complex societal issues, such as the intertwinement between health challenges, food, agriculture and climate change, with an eye for social injustice. We do this by designing, facilitating and studying multi-stakeholder processes. Together with all actors involved, we investigate how to instigate system transformation. Given this collaborative approach to scientific work at Athena, we cherish a research culture that is built on &lsquo;shared science&rsquo;, characterized by co‑creation, open academic exchange and joint publications with our academic staff and where applicable with non-academic research partners. We are looking for a candidate who is motivated to actively contribute to this collaborative environment.
Faculty of Science 
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity 
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
Interested</h2>
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.
Procedure 
We expect to have 2 rounds of interviews. The first round of interviews will take place end of August or beginning of September. The second round of interviews we hope to complete towards the end of September. 
 
Please provide the following information in your application:<ul><li>
Your cv</li><li>
A motivation letter (1 A4)</li><li>
A motivated choice for one (or multiple) PhD topics, with a rough outline of what kind of research you would like to conduct (1 A4)</li></ul>
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.</div>

PhD positions on Sustainability transitions through microbiome innovations

<div><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">Your function</h2>
The Athena Institute of VU Amsterdam together with the Copernicus Institute of Utrecht University are looking for a motivated PhD candidate on the Greenhouse in Transition project. In this position, you will focus on the governance of sustainability transitions and mission-oriented innovation in the greenhouse sector.
This joint USA-NL project supports the transition to sustainable and circular CEA without fossil energy, reducing waste, and improving resource efficiency. Current greenhouses rely heavily on fossil fuels, chemicals, and labour. This project connects technology, growers, and policymakers to create greenhouses that are smarter, more affordable, and better for people and planet. In the project many different scientific disciplines and stakeholders from both countries collaborate to design the future of the greenhouse sectors. In this position, you will work in a social science research team, and you are being supervised by a collaborative promotion team of both VU Amsterdam (Dr. Kok, Dr. Loeber) and Utrecht University (Dr. Wojtynia, Prof. Negro).
Our research team will critically examine the current state of greenhouse production systems, highlight the primary sustainability issues they face, and investigate historical factors that have perpetuated these challenges. We will also identify the systemic barriers impeding innovation and transformative change towards sustainability, community engagement, and resource circularity.
Questions that you can focus on are: How can we understand complex transition processes? How does the innovation system around greenhouses look like in the Netherlands and the United States? How can we support the greenhouse sector in a transition?
Your tasks: 
As a team, we will work on understanding the social, political and economic dimensions of innovations and sustainability transitions in the greenhouse sector. During your PhD you will be conducting social science studies into (1) innovation systems and the factors that help contribute to diffusion and adoption of sustainable innovations and (2) policy instruments and governance at different levels (local, national) in the Netherlands and the United States. Data collection strategies can include conducting interviews, document analysis and organizing workshops with stakeholders, such as policymakers, growers and businesses. Together with the promotion team, in the first year you will make a research proposal where you outline your own ideas and interests for the PhD research.
Concretely, your tasks are:<ul><li>
Conducting research and collaboratively writing scientific articles that will form the basis of your PhD thesis.</li><li>
Contributing to policy advice based on the research outcomes.</li><li>
Contributing to the project by organizing workshops and other activities within the broader project, such as at consortium meetings.</li><li>
Presenting your work at conferences.</li><li>
Following courses to develop your research skills (formal PhD training).</li><li>
Teaching working groups in the education programmes of the Athena Institute (max 0.2 fte).</li></ul>
After the first year, there will also be a postdoctoral researcher who will be working with you on the project. Note that there is budget to conduct field work in the United States. We will explore the feasibility of this together.
Recruitment process: 
There will be (at least) two rounds of interviews. A first round of interviews will be scheduled end of August/beginning of September. We hope to complete the interview process in September, so that the selected candidate can start in October or November.
In your application, please include: 
(1) your cv 
(2) your motivation letter (1 A4) 
(3) a research idea that would like to conduct as part of this project (max 1 A4)<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
Your profile</h2><ul><li>
A completed Masters degree in transition studies, sustainable development, innovation studies, policy sciences, agricultural policy or another relevant (interdisciplinary) social science field.</li><li>
Proven experience in qualitative research methodologies, such as interviews, ethnography, document analysis and/or focus groups.</li><li>
Interest in inter- and transdisciplinary research approaches in the collaboration between science, policy, practice and society.</li><li>
The ability to work independently as well as in a team, in a flexible, adaptive and pro-active way.</li><li>
Excellent organizational, communicative and collaborative skills.</li><li>
Experience in research, writing and presenting.</li><li>
Excellent command of English and B2 command of Dutch are required.</li></ul>
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
What do we offer?</h2>
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:<ul><li>
a salary of &euro; 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum &euro; 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month, for full-time employment</li><li>
a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Following this there is a possibility of an extension.</li></ul>
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:<ul><li>
A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.</li><li>
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus</li><li>
solid pension scheme (ABP)</li><li>
child daycare facilities available on campus</li><li>
the possibility to work partly from home</li></ul><h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
About us</h2>
Athena Institute 
The Athena Institute addresses complex societal issues, such as the intertwinement between health challenges, food, agriculture and climate change, with an eye for social injustice. We do this by designing, facilitating and studying multi-stakeholder processes. Together with all actors involved, we investigate how to instigate system transformation. Given this collaborative approach to scientific work at Athena, we cherish a research culture that is built on &lsquo;shared science&rsquo;, characterized by co‑creation, open academic exchange and joint publications with our academic staff and where applicable with non-academic research partners. We are looking for a candidate who is motivated to actively contribute to this collaborative environment.
Faculty of Science 
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity 
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.<h2 class="jobSectionHeader">
Interested</h2>
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. 
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.</div>

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