PhD Position in Governing Transitions Towards a Sustainable Greenhouse Sector at VU Amsterdam, Netherlands
Are you interested in sustainability transitions, agricultural innovation, and the future of climate-smart food systems? The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), together with Utrecht University, is inviting applications for a PhD Candidate position in Governing Transitions Towards a Sustainable Greenhouse Sector. The position is part of the Greenhouse in Transition project, an interdisciplinary USA–Netherlands research initiative focused on transforming controlled environment agriculture (CEA) into a more sustainable, circular, and resource-efficient sector.
The selected PhD researcher will join the Athena Institute at VU Amsterdam and collaborate with researchers from the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. The project explores how governance, innovation systems, and policy strategies can accelerate sustainability transitions in greenhouse agriculture.
Position Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Candidate |
| Research Topic | Governing sustainability transitions in greenhouse agriculture |
| Host Institution | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
| Collaboration | Utrecht University |
| Project | Greenhouse in Transition |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Employment Level | Minimum 0.8 FTE |
| Contract Duration | Initially 1 year, with possible extension |
| Salary Range | €3,059 – €3,881 gross/month |
| Application Deadline | 14 August 2026 |
| Expected Start Date | October or November 2026 |
About the Greenhouse in Transition Project
Greenhouse agriculture plays an important role in global food production, but current systems face major sustainability challenges. Many greenhouse production systems depend heavily on:
- Fossil energy
- Chemical inputs
- Intensive resource use
- High labour demands
- Linear production models
The Greenhouse in Transition project aims to support the development of sustainable and circular controlled environment agriculture without fossil energy dependence, while reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. The project brings together:
- Researchers
- Greenhouse growers
- Technology developers
- Policymakers
- Industry partners
- Social stakeholders
Together, they investigate pathways toward smarter, affordable, and environmentally responsible greenhouse systems.
PhD Research Focus
The PhD candidate will study the social, political, and economic dimensions of sustainability transitions in the greenhouse sector. The research will focus on questions such as:
- How do complex sustainability transitions develop over time?
- How do innovation systems influence the adoption of sustainable greenhouse technologies?
- What policy instruments support transformation in agriculture?
- How can governments and stakeholders accelerate sustainable innovation?
- What barriers prevent circular and resource-efficient greenhouse systems?
The research will compare transition processes in:
- The Netherlands
- The United States
The project includes opportunities for international fieldwork in the United States.
Main Responsibilities
The PhD researcher will:
Conduct Social Science Research
Research activities will include:
- Studying innovation systems in greenhouse agriculture
- Analysing factors influencing sustainable innovation adoption
- Investigating governance approaches at local and national levels
- Examining policy instruments supporting sustainability transitions
Possible research methods include:
- Interviews
- Document analysis
- Stakeholder workshops
- Qualitative research approaches
- Comparative case studies
Develop Scientific Publications
The candidate will:
- Conduct independent academic research
- Write scientific articles forming the basis of the PhD thesis
- Present findings at international conferences
- Contribute to academic discussions on sustainability transitions
Support Knowledge Exchange
Responsibilities include:
- Providing policy recommendations based on research findings
- Organising workshops and project activities
- Participating in consortium meetings
- Collaborating with academic and non-academic partners
Teaching Activities
The PhD candidate will contribute to teaching activities at the Athena Institute, with teaching responsibilities limited to approximately 0.2 FTE.
Research Supervision Team
The PhD candidate will be supervised by an interdisciplinary promotion team consisting of researchers from VU Amsterdam and Utrecht University:
- Dr. Kristiaan Kok, VU Amsterdam
- Dr. Loeber, VU Amsterdam
- Dr. Wojtynia, Utrecht University
- Prof. Negro, Utrecht University
After the first year, a postdoctoral researcher will also join the project team. This PhD position offers the opportunity to:
- Work on one of the major sustainability challenges in agriculture
- Participate in an international USA–Netherlands research project
- Develop expertise in sustainability transitions and innovation governance
- Conduct interdisciplinary research with real-world impact
- Collaborate with policymakers, growers, and industry stakeholders
- Build an academic career in sustainability science
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A completed Master’s degree in:
- Transition studies
- Sustainable development
- Innovation studies
- Policy sciences
- Agricultural policy
- Another relevant interdisciplinary social science field
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Experience with qualitative research methods
- Interest in sustainability transitions
- Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research
- Strong academic writing skills
- Experience presenting research findings
- Excellent communication and organisational abilities
Required Research Skills
Preferred experience includes:
- Interviews
- Ethnographic research
- Document analysis
- Focus groups
- Stakeholder engagement
- Policy research
The successful candidate should be comfortable working between:
- Science
- Policy
- Industry
- Society
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Excellent command of English
- Dutch language proficiency at B2 level
The project involves collaboration with Dutch stakeholders, making Dutch language skills important for effective engagement.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive Dutch university PhD salary.
Salary
Monthly gross salary:
- Starting salary: €3,059
- Maximum salary: €3,881
Salary depends on experience and employment progression.
Additional Benefits
The position includes:
- 8% holiday allowance
- 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- Pension scheme through ABP
- Holiday entitlement of up to 232 hours annually for full-time employment
- Possibility of partial remote working
- Campus childcare facilities
- Professional development opportunities
About VU Amsterdam and Athena Institute
VU Amsterdam is a leading research university committed to socially relevant research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable solutions. The Athena Institute focuses on complex societal challenges involving:
- Health
- Food systems
- Agriculture
- Climate change
- Social inequality
The institute specialises in participatory and transdisciplinary research, bringing together scientists, policymakers, communities, and organisations to create practical solutions. The Faculty of Science at VU Amsterdam conducts research across disciplines ranging from molecular sciences to global sustainability challenges.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter (maximum one A4 page)
- Research idea for the PhD project (maximum one A4 page)
- The research idea should explain a potential approach to studying sustainability transitions in greenhouse agriculture.
- Applications must be submitted through APPLY NOW
- Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Recruitment Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
| Application Deadline | 14 August 2026 |
| First Interview Round | End of August / Beginning of September 2026 |
| Final Selection | September 2026 |
| Expected Start | October–November 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main topic of this PhD position?
The PhD focuses on governing sustainability transitions in the greenhouse sector, including innovation systems, policy instruments, and pathways toward sustainable controlled environment agriculture.
2. Which universities are involved in the project?
The project is a collaboration between VU Amsterdam and Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
3. Is this a fully funded PhD position?
Yes. The PhD candidate receives a university employment contract with a monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross.
4. Can international candidates apply?
Yes. The position is open to qualified applicants internationally.
5. What academic background is required?
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in transition studies, sustainability, innovation studies, policy sciences, agricultural policy, or a related social science discipline.
6. Will the PhD involve fieldwork?
Yes. The project includes stakeholder research and may include fieldwork in the United States, depending on feasibility.
7. What research methods will be used?
The project will use qualitative social science methods, including interviews, document analysis, workshops, and stakeholder engagement.
8. Is Dutch language required?
Yes. Applicants need excellent English skills and B2-level Dutch proficiency.
9. When will the PhD position start?
The selected candidate is expected to start in October or November 2026.
10. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 14 August 2026.
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