PhD in Governance of Sustainability Transitions in Greenhouse Sector — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Key details

• Host institution: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
• Location: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), De Boelelaan 1105, Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Application deadline: August 14, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Application portal / instructions: Official application link.
• Context on Euraxess: Original listing.

About the position

The Athena Institute of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, together with the Copernicus Institute of Utrecht University, invites applications for a PhD candidate position on the Greenhouse in Transition project. This joint USA-NL project focuses on the governance of sustainability transitions and mission-oriented innovation in the greenhouse sector.

Project Overview

This project supports the transition to sustainable and circular controlled environment agriculture (CEA) without fossil energy, reducing waste, and improving resource efficiency. Current greenhouses rely heavily on fossil fuels, chemicals, and labour. The project connects technology, growers, and policymakers to create greenhouses that are smarter, more affordable, and better for people and planet. Multiple scientific disciplines and stakeholders from both countries collaborate to design the future of the greenhouse sectors.

Your Role

You will work in a social science research team, supervised by a collaborative promotion team from VU Amsterdam (Dr. Kok, Dr. Loeber) and Utrecht University (Dr. Wojtynia, Prof. Negro). The research team will critically examine current greenhouse production systems, highlight primary sustainability issues, and investigate historical factors perpetuating these challenges. You will identify systemic barriers impeding innovation and transformative change towards sustainability, community engagement, and resource circularity.

Key research questions include:

• How can we understand complex transition processes?
• How does the innovation system around greenhouses look in the Netherlands and the United States?
• How can we support the greenhouse sector in a transition?

During your PhD, you will conduct social science studies into (1) innovation systems and factors contributing to diffusion and adoption of sustainable innovations, and (2) policy instruments and governance at local and national levels in the Netherlands and the United States. Data collection strategies may include interviews, document analysis, and stakeholder workshops with policymakers, growers, and businesses. In the first year, you will develop a research proposal outlining your own ideas and interests.

Your Tasks

• Conducting research and collaboratively writing scientific articles for your PhD thesis
• Contributing to policy advice based on research outcomes
• Organizing workshops and activities within the broader project, such as consortium meetings
• Presenting your work at conferences
• Following courses to develop research skills (formal PhD training)
• Teaching working groups in the education programmes of the Athena Institute (max 0.2 fte)

After the first year, a postdoctoral researcher will join the project. Budget is available for field work in the United States; feasibility will be explored together.

Application Requirements

Please include in your application:

• Your CV
• Your motivation letter (1 A4 page)
• A research idea you would like to conduct as part of this project (max 1 A4 page)

Recruitment Process

There will be at least two rounds of interviews. The first round is scheduled for end of August/beginning of September. The interview process is expected to be completed in September, with the selected candidate starting in October or November.