PhD position Fair Climate Policy

University of Groningen; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation allowance 232h/yr

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Holiday allowance 8%

Professional development

Job summary

University of Groningen invites applicants for a PhD candidate position in Fair Climate Policy, hosted with SCP in The Hague. You will develop your own insights, collect data, and contribute to a dissertation under supervision, in a multi-year, cross-institutional setting.

You will work with a motivated team to produce research that informs policymakers while publishing in international journals. The role combines research, teaching, and collaboration across campuses.

Qualifications

• Mandatory strong quantitative analytical skills.
• Experience with qualitative research is required.
• Willingness to translate findings into policy guidance.
• Good command of Dutch and English languages.
• Able to work collaboratively in a cross-institutional project.

Responsibilities

• Design research components with supervisors.
• Conduct research leading to a dissertation.
• Perform quantitative data analysis and data collection.
• Publish results in international journals.
• Present findings to academic and societal partners.
• Coordinate across Groningen and The Hague locations.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Research skills

Academic writing

Team collaboration

Dutch and English languages

Education

Master's degree in social sciences

Tools

R

NVivo

Job description

Environmental science » Natural resources management

Political sciences » Policy studies

Political sciences » Public policy

Sociology » Social changes

Organisation/Company University of Groningen Research Field Environmental science » Global change Environmental science » Natural resources management Political sciences » Policy studies Political sciences » Public policy Sociology » Social changes Sociology » Socio-economic research Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 1 Oct 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of science? Are you looking for a PhD position where you can translate your curiosity into concrete research results and a dissertation? Then the position of PhD candidate in Fair Climate Policy at the University of Groningen (RUG) and the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) is exactly what you are looking for!

As a PhD candidate in Fair Climate Policy, you will have the opportunity, under supervision, to develop your own insights, collect data, and share your findings with both academic colleagues and practice and societal partners. Together with a motivated team, you will work on meaningful solutions and contribute to the future of your field.

Research project. The Netherlands faces major challenges in the field of sustainability. The current intensive use of natural resources leads to irreversible environmental damage, resource depletion, and further climate change. At the same time, climate action entitles distributional effects and can exacerbate existing inequalities and impact the lives of citizens. This manifests itself in concerns regarding both the consequences of climate change and the impact of climate policy on social inequality and the quality of life of specific groups. Many citizens consider it important to protect the climate, the environment, and nature, and recognize climate change as a societal issue. However, there is disagreement regarding which solutions are most suitable. It is therefore important to understand how climate policy can be developed that is effective, but is also perceived as just, fair, and acceptable, and contributes to people's quality of life. Policy that does not exclude people, but connects them. The project aims to develop psychological and sociological insights into what citizens view as fair and just solutions to climate change and the factors and circumstances that influence these perceptions. Additionally, the project aims to provide guidelines for policymakers for the development of policy that is perceived by citizens as (more) just, fair(er), and (more) acceptable, and contributes to the wellbeing of society.

Collaboration. This research project is a collaboration between the Environmental Psychology expertise group at the University of Groningen (RUG), specifically research into public acceptance of sustainable transitions, the Citizens and Government programme at the SCP, and the chair of Prof. Dr. Maroesjka Versantvoort on the role of values and meaning in people's sustainability trade-offs (previous research by the SCP, “Between Sustainable Thinking and Sustainable Action”). The PhD candidate will receive a full-time appointment for 2 years at the RUG in Groningen (years 1 and 2) and subsequently a full-time appointment for 2 years at the SCP in The Hague (years 3 and 4). This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to leverage the knowledge and expertise of both organizations and to build rich experience in cross-institutional collaboration.

Why would you want this position?

• Making an impact: in this role, you contribute directly to scientific insights that address societal issues. Your research translates not only into publications but also into concrete solutions, ensuring a tangible impact.
• Personal development: you get the opportunity to develop yourself into an expert, with the support of experienced scientists. This combination of research and education offers ample opportunities for professional and personal growth.

The SCP works for the entire society. To do this as effectively as possible, we strive for a diversity of qualities, perspectives, and backgrounds in our teams. We also actively work on an organizational culture in which everyone feels welcome and can be themselves. For more information about the organization, see About the SCP | Netherlands Institute for Social Research.

What are you going to do?

As a PhD candidate, you perform the following tasks:

• Together with your supervisors, you design various components of the research.
• You conduct research that results in a dissertation and aligns with the objectives and requirements of the project.
• You perform quantitative data analysis on existing datasets and organize and carry out additional data collection if necessary.
• You publish the results of the research in international scientific journals.
• You present the research to a broad audience of both (international) fellow scientists and societal, practice, and policy partners.
• You work together with colleagues from the RUG and the SCP on the joint project. You work in Groningen during years 1 and 2, and in The Hague during years 3 and 4, and you visit both organizations regularly from the start.
• You actively contribute to the collaboration between the parties involved.
• You contribute to educational activities at the Department of Environmental Psychology (RUG), such as working groups and guest lectures.

For this position, we are looking for someone who:

• Has completed a (research) Master's degree in a relevant discipline within social sciences, such as Environmental Psychology, Sociology, Social Psychology, Political Science, Sustainability Studies, or a related field.
• Possesses strong quantitative analytical skills (strict requirement) and also has experience with qualitative research.
• Is enthusiastic about writing international publications and a dissertation.
• Has a good command of the Dutch and English languages.
• Can work both in a team and independently.
• Possesses good academic writing skills, social and communication skills, and is willing to collaborate with other team members.
• Is enthusiastic about translating scientific insights into practical guidelines and advice.
• Has an affinity with policy and societal issues.
• Would like to contribute to SCP reports/publications aimed at a broad audience and at policymakers and politicians.
• Possesses good organizational skills and perseverance.
• Demonstrates competencies such as conceptual ability, presenting, planning, and monitoring progress.

Additional Information

What can you expect from us?

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.