We are hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow in Planetary Politics to join the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University.
You will work closely with Professor Frank Biermann, Associate Professor Rakhyun E. Kim and other colleagues to help build at Utrecht University a strong network for research and collaboration on planetary politics. This initiative aims to bring together numerous researchers who study the political, institutional, legal, ethical, and societal dimensions of planetary change, especially in a rapidly shifting geopolitical context.
The position combines academic coordination, network-building, fund-raising, and research. It is especially suited to someone who enjoys connecting people and ideas, developing new academic initiatives, and helping an emerging research community grow. While the role includes opportunities to develop your own academic profile and may contribute to coauthored publications, its main focus is to create the conditions for a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community within and beyond Utrecht University.
Your responsibilities will include:
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helping to develop and coordinate the Planetary Politics initiative at Utrecht University, working from the university’s Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development;
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building and maintaining connections with numerous researchers across Utrecht University, including colleagues in the Utrecht School of Law, Utrecht School of Governance, the Ethics Institute, and other relevant groups in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences;
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supporting strong collaboration with external partners, including Wageningen University & Research and Eindhoven University of Technology;
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organising academic events such as workshops, seminars, public lectures, and networking meetings;
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identifying opportunities for new collaborations, joint funding proposals, and interdisciplinary research activities;
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contributing intellectually to the development of planetary politics as an emerging research agenda;
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supporting communication and visibility around the initiative, for example by helping prepare short texts, event materials, web content, or briefing notes;
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working proactively with colleagues to turn ideas into concrete activities, outputs, and collaborations.
This is initially a 0.5 FTE position for 1.5 years. It offers a unique opportunity to play a formative role in shaping a new academic initiative at the interface of sustainability science, political science, law, ethics, governance, and the wider study of planetary change.
The Postdoctoral Fellow in Planetary Politics should combine academic initiative with strong organisational and interpersonal skills. The position requires someone who can work independently, communicate clearly, and engage confidently with researchers from different disciplines, institutions, and career stages.
To be considered for this position, you should have:
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a PhD in political science, international relations, public administration, law, governance studies, sustainability science, environmental social science, ethics, science and technology studies, geography, sociology, or another relevant field;
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strong organisational and coordination skills, including the ability to plan events, manage timelines, follow up on actions, and keep collaborative processes moving;
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excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage constructively with researchers from different disciplines and career stages;
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a proactive, reliable, and collegial working style;
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excellent written and spoken English;
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the ability to work independently while contributing actively to a wider team and research community;
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availability to work regularly on campus in Utrecht, as this role requires active engagement with colleagues, partners, and the wider research community. Fully remote working is therefore not considered for this position.
The following would be an advantage:
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research experience in one or more areas related to planetary politics, such as Earth system governance, global environmental politics, planetary justice, democracy and sustainability, environmental law, climate governance, biodiversity governance, science-policy interfaces, or sustainability transformations;
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experience organising academic events, workshops, seminars, reading groups, or collaborative research activities;
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experience with interdisciplinary collaboration across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law, or ethics;
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experience developing research proposals, concept notes, policy briefs, public-facing texts, event materials, or communication materials;
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an emerging publication record relevant to the position;
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familiarity with Dutch or European academic and policy networks in sustainability, governance, or environmental politics.
You do not need to have worked specifically on “planetary politics” before. We are especially interested in candidates who can help connect people, ideas, and institutions, and who are excited to contribute to the development of a new research agenda.
We offer:
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a position of 0.5 FTE for 18 months;
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a gross monthly salary between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
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8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
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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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
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 Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.
For more information about this position, please contact Frank Biermann at [email protected] and Rak Kim at [email protected]
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
