Utrecht University Recruitment 2026: PhD in "Climate, Cooperation and Community in Asia" | Fully Funded PhD Position

Utrecht University Recruitment 2026: PhD in "Climate, Cooperation and Community in Asia" | Fully Funded PhD Position | Apply by 15 August

The Department of History and Art History, Faculty of Humanities, Utrecht University has invited applications for a fully funded PhD position titled "Climate, Cooperation and Community in Asia." This interdisciplinary doctoral project offers an exciting opportunity for researchers interested in climate history, sustainable development, rural Asia, economic history, and social cohesion.

The position is part of the SOCION consortium, a multidisciplinary research programme that investigates how communities respond to social fragmentation and climate-related challenges. (Universiteit Utrecht)

Position Details

• Organization: Utrecht University

• Faculty: Faculty of Humanities

• Department: Department of History and Art History

• Post: PhD Researcher – Climate, Cooperation and Community in Asia

• Employment Type: Full-time

• Working Hours: 36–40 hours per week

• Job Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

About the Research Project

Climate change increasingly affects food security, water availability, and rural livelihoods, placing significant pressure on social cohesion and community cooperation.

This PhD project explores how climate change has shaped cooperation within rural Asian communities and how historical experiences can provide valuable lessons for present-day climate adaptation and sustainable development.

The research examines the interaction between:

• Climate change

• Social cohesion

• Rural institutions

• Agricultural transformation

• Community cooperation

• Sustainable development

The project combines historical analysis, social psychology, and interdisciplinary research to understand how communities respond to climate-related disruptions. (Universiteit Utrecht)

Research Areas

Applicants may pursue research in areas such as:

• Climate History

• Economic History

• Rural Development

• Sustainable Development

• Social Cohesion

• Agricultural History

• Asian Studies

• Development Studies

• Historical Sociology

• Climate Adaptation

The project encourages the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with opportunities for comparative studies and fieldwork depending on the research design. (Universiteit Utrecht)

Key Responsibilities

The selected PhD researcher will:

• Develop an original doctoral research project within the project framework.

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on climate and community cooperation in Asia.

• Analyse historical and contemporary qualitative and quantitative sources.

• Collaborate with researchers from multiple disciplines within the SOCION consortium.

• Publish research findings and present them at academic conferences.

• Complete a doctoral dissertation within the four-year appointment period. (Universiteit Utrecht)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should possess:

• A Master's degree (MA/MSc) in:

  • Economic History

  • Development Studies

  • History

  • Or a closely related discipline.

• Interest in social psychology and interdisciplinary research.

• Strong analytical and research skills.

• Excellent command of English.

• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Desirable Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Experience working with historical sources.

• Knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• Interest in climate change, rural Asia, and sustainable development. (Universiteit Utrecht)

Salary and Benefits

The successful candidate will receive:

• An 18-month initial appointment, extendable to a total of 4 years upon successful evaluation during the first year.

• Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 (full-time), in accordance with the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement (CAO NU).

• 8% holiday allowance.

• 8.3% year-end bonus.

• Pension scheme and additional employment benefits.

• Extensive opportunities for professional development and academic training. (Universiteit Utrecht)

Why Join Utrecht University?

Joining Utrecht University offers the opportunity to:

• Pursue a fully funded PhD at one of Europe's leading research universities.

• Work within the interdisciplinary SOCION research consortium.

• Collaborate with historians, psychologists, sociologists, and development researchers.

• Conduct internationally relevant research on climate resilience and social cohesion.

• Benefit from an outstanding academic environment and professional development opportunities. (Universiteit Utrecht)

Important Date

• Application Deadline: 15 August 2026 (Universiteit Utrecht)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following through the official Utrecht University recruitment portal:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Motivation Letter

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Knowledge security screening may form part of the recruitment process in accordance with university policy. (Universiteit Utrecht)

Official Website

https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university

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