3 PhD Positions on Sustainability Transitions Through Microbiome Innovations at VU Amsterdam, Netherlands
Are you interested in transforming food and health systems through innovative research? The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is recruiting three PhD candidates for the Holomicrobiome project, an interdisciplinary research initiative focused on how microbiome innovations can contribute to sustainable and healthy societies. The PhD positions are hosted by the Athena Institute, which studies complex societal challenges through transdisciplinary research, stakeholder collaboration, and system transformation approaches.
The project investigates how microbiome-based innovations can accelerate transitions toward sustainable food systems, improved health outcomes, and economic development. Funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund, Holomicrobiome brings together researchers, policymakers, businesses, and societal stakeholders to develop future-oriented innovation pathways.
Position Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | 3 PhD Candidate Positions |
| Research Area | Sustainability transitions through microbiome innovations |
| Host Institution | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
| Project | Holomicrobiome |
| Research Field | Sustainability science, innovation studies, governance, social sciences |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Employment Level | Full-time (1 FTE) |
| Salary | €3,059 – €3,881 gross/month |
| Contract | Initially 1 year, possible extension |
| Application Deadline | 14 August 2026 |
| Expected Interview Period | August–September 2026 |
About the Holomicrobiome Project
Microbiomes play an increasingly important role in developing solutions for global challenges in food production, agriculture, and human health. The Holomicrobiome project aims to develop microbiome innovations that support:
- Sustainable food systems
- Healthy lifestyles
- Circular production models
- Economic opportunities
- Scientific and societal collaboration
However, technological innovation alone is not enough to create lasting change. Successful sustainability transitions require effective governance, collaboration between stakeholders, supportive policies, and viable business models. The project therefore examines how innovation ecosystems can be designed and governed to achieve transformative societal impact.
Research Themes and Available PhD Projects
VU Amsterdam is recruiting three PhD candidates, each focusing on a different research theme.
PhD Position 1: Policy and Governance for Sustainability Transitions
This PhD candidate will investigate how policies and governance approaches can support microbiome innovation systems in the Netherlands. Research topics include:
- Mission-oriented innovation systems
- Policy development and implementation
- Government roles in sustainability transitions
- Governance strategies for large-scale innovation projects
- Theories of Change and transition pathways
Possible research questions:
- How can governments effectively support microbiome innovation ecosystems?
- Which policy mixes encourage transformative innovation?
- How can mission-oriented projects be governed successfully?
PhD Position 2: Transdisciplinary Collaboration and Learning in Innovation Systems
This PhD position focuses on how researchers, businesses, policymakers, and societal actors can collaborate to create transformative change. The candidate will study:
- Transdisciplinary innovation ecosystems
- Stakeholder learning processes
- Knowledge exchange between science and society
- Power relations between organizations
- Monitoring transformative impacts
Research questions may include:
- How can collaborative learning accelerate sustainability transitions?
- How can innovation ecosystems support long-term transformation?
- How can societal impact be measured?
PhD Position 3: Valorisation and Institutional Entrepreneurship for Microbiome Innovations
This PhD candidate will explore how microbiome innovations can move from research environments into practical applications. Research areas include:
- Business model development
- Institutional entrepreneurship
- Market challenges
- Regulatory barriers
- Value creation strategies
The research may focus on applications in:
- Human health
- Agriculture
- Food systems
Possible research questions:
- How can businesses create sustainable value from microbiome innovations?
- What barriers influence commercialisation?
- Which strategies enable successful innovation adoption?
PhD Research Approach
The PhD candidates will conduct action-oriented qualitative research using methods such as:
- Interviews
- Focus groups
- Ethnographic research
- Stakeholder workshops
- Comparative case studies
- Document analysis
The Holomicrobiome project itself will serve as both:
- The research context
- The research object
Candidates will collaborate closely with the wider project team and develop scientific publications that form the basis of their PhD thesis.
Main Responsibilities
Selected PhD researchers will:
Conduct Research
- Design and execute qualitative research studies
- Analyse sustainability transition processes
- Collaborate with project stakeholders
- Develop academic publications
Support Project Activities
Responsibilities include:
- Organising Living Labs
- Supporting stakeholder workshops
- Contributing to consortium meetings
- Developing monitoring approaches
- Supporting project activities
Academic Development
PhD candidates will:
- Present research at conferences
- Follow formal PhD training courses
- Develop advanced research skills
- Contribute to teaching activities at Athena Institute
Teaching responsibilities will be approximately 0.2 FTE.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A completed Master’s degree in:
- Innovation studies
- Sustainable transformation
- Policy sciences
- Organisation sciences
- Management and entrepreneurship
- Another relevant interdisciplinary social science field
Candidates with combined backgrounds in natural sciences and social sciences are especially encouraged to apply.
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience with qualitative research methods
- Interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research
- Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills
- Excellent communication abilities
- Experience with academic writing and presentations
Relevant research experience includes:
- Interviews
- Ethnography
- Focus groups
- Workshop facilitation
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Excellent English proficiency
Dutch language skills are highly appreciated because of stakeholder engagement within the Netherlands. These PhD positions offer the opportunity to:
- Work on a globally relevant sustainability challenge
- Study the future of food and health innovation
- Collaborate with scientists, policymakers, and industry partners
- Develop expertise in sustainability transitions
- Conduct research with direct societal impact
- Build an international academic profile
Salary and Employment Benefits
The PhD positions provide a competitive university employment package.
Salary
Gross monthly salary:
- Minimum: €3,059
- Maximum: €3,881
Salary depends on education level and experience.
Benefits Include:
- Full-time 38-hour working week
- 232 holiday hours annually
- 8% holiday allowance
- 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- ABP pension scheme
- Campus childcare facilities
- Possibility of hybrid working
About Athena Institute and VU Amsterdam
The Athena Institute focuses on addressing complex societal challenges related to:
- Health
- Food systems
- Agriculture
- Climate change
- Social justice
Its research approach combines academic excellence with collaboration between scientists, policymakers, communities, and organisations. The Faculty of Science at VU Amsterdam supports interdisciplinary research addressing major global challenges, from environmental sustainability to biotechnology and health. VU Amsterdam promotes an inclusive academic environment where diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences contributes to innovation and research quality.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter (maximum one A4 page)
- A motivated choice of one or more PhD topics
- A short research outline describing their proposed research direction (maximum one A4 page)
- Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
- The deadline for applications is 14 August 2026.
- APPLY NOW ONLINE
- The recruitment process includes: First interview round: End of August / beginning of September 2026 & Second interview round: September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many PhD positions are available in the Holomicrobiome project?
VU Amsterdam is recruiting three PhD candidates, each focusing on a different research theme related to microbiome innovation and sustainability transitions.
2. What is the main focus of the PhD project?
The project studies how microbiome innovations can contribute to sustainable food systems, healthier societies, and economic development through effective governance and innovation strategies.
3. Is this a funded PhD position?
Yes. The positions are university-funded PhD employment contracts with salaries ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month.
4. Who can apply for these PhD positions?
Applicants with a Master’s degree in innovation studies, sustainability, policy sciences, organisation sciences, management, entrepreneurship, or related interdisciplinary social sciences can apply.
5. Are candidates with science backgrounds eligible?
Yes. Applicants with combined natural science and social science backgrounds are especially encouraged.
6. What research methods will be used?
The research will mainly involve qualitative methods, including interviews, workshops, focus groups, ethnographic approaches, and case studies.
7. Will the PhD candidates work with external stakeholders?
Yes. The project involves collaboration with scientists, companies, policymakers, and societal organisations through Living Labs and stakeholder activities.
8. Is Dutch language required?
English proficiency is required. Dutch language skills are highly appreciated but not listed as mandatory.
9. When is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 14 August 2026.
10. Where will the PhD research take place?
The positions are based at VU Amsterdam in the Netherlands, with research activities involving Dutch microbiome innovation networks.
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