The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is offering a combined PhD - lecturer position to research the ways in which mediatised images of the future inhibit sustainability transitions.

Your job

Guided by supervisors Dr Jeroen Oomen, Dr Bonno Pel and Professor Maarten Hajer, you will be investigating the persistent cultural inability to see futures as meaningfully different from the present. In 2023, for example, the right-wing German Party ‘Alternative für Deutschland’ won a regional election with, amongst others, a slogan ‘Diesel ist Super’. Paradoxically, this self-proclaimed alternative party is trying to suppress futures that are meaningfully different from the world they grew up in.

In this PhD project, this continuously reproduced inability to see and champion alternatives is our key interest. The vacancy follows from a stimulation fund subsidy granted to a groundbreaking interdisciplinary project: “Imprisoned in the present? Mediatisation Dynamics in Sustainability Transitions”. As a collaboration between leading researchers in futuring and transition studies, this project zooms in on difficulty of perceiving, producing, circulating, and governing futures that are meaningfully different from the present. As such, our project investigates the societal structures that produce such myopia:

• How can meaningfully different ideas about the future be brought into the political imagination?
• Which are the crucial sites, techniques, and actors?
• And how might such techniques help to address the resistance against sustainability policies?

Empirically, the project focuses how mediatisation dynamics influence and often inhibit sustainability transitions. Anno 2024, the channels of sensemaking, discussion, and strategy reflection through which political issues become political issues have changed fundamentally through changing media infrastructures. Short-termism and captured futures are not only produced in the traditional political and scientific arenas, but also through internet culture (the ‘meme-sphere’), fast-paced media cycles and talk show politics, and the parallel parliaments of social media. As such, transitions research should engage with the deeper ‘mediatisation’ of society. Not only the transition issues ‘out there’ are evolving, but so are the ways in which societies make sense of these issues, and the ways these issues become politicised.

As a PhD candidate in this project, you will conduct in-depth empirical studies on these dynamics of these changing dynamics. During this project you will synthesise empirical findings, and develop theoretical insights on the political dynamics of mediatisation. Importantly, you will be invited to co-develop case studies at the start of the PhD process, in conversation with supervisors and promotor. Cases can be chosen across the key areas of sustainability transitions (energy, transport, circular economy, food & agriculture), possible connected to the strategic areas of the Copernicus institute. As this research addresses issues of controversy, politics and societal debate, you will also engage in activities to share and discuss the findings with societal stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to develop their own ideas on the matter in their motivation letter.

The results of the research will have to lead to the completion of a PhD thesis. Through this research activity you will become embedded in the exciting scientific communities that exist on futuring, transition studies and media studies, and you can develop yourself through participation in congresses, workshops, trainings for doctoral students, and a vibrant group of PhD candidates at the Copernicus Institute. Next to the development of the doctoral thesis (60% of your time), you will also be involved in teaching (40%). This involves teaching in selected courses on Innovation and in the interdisciplinary bachelor’s course Futuring for Sustainability, as well as various roles in tutoring, supervision and lecturing on topics relevant to your research topic, interests and capacities. In addition to teaching, you can obtain your University Teaching Qualification (UTQ/BKO).

Your qualities

We are searching for a motivated and goal-oriented PhD candidate who would like to work in an interdisciplinary research environment in close interaction with stakeholders. Specifically, we are looking for someone with the following qualifications:

• You have successfully completed a relevant Master’s degree. Relevant disciplines include (but are not limited to) science and technology studies (STS), transition studies, futures studies, policy sciences, environmental humanities, innovation sciences, media studies, political science/philosophy, and sociology. Please note, however, that academic discipline is not a leading criterium for selection, so feel free to apply from any discipline if you have affinity with the research topic.
• You have affinity with in-depth social research and innovative methodologies of communications/media research/digital humanities.
• You have experience teaching in higher education, either as a junior teacher or as a teaching assistant.
• You have a proven interest in sustainability (transitions), as demonstrated by training or extracurricular activities.
• You have affinity and experience with stakeholder engagement and communication of scientific research.
• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team, and can showcase a critical attitude, intellectual independence, and good organisational skills.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and in languages pertinent to the selected case studies. We welcome international candidates, especially if they bring in their own suggestions for case studies. 

Our offer

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of six years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,226 and €5,090 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 
• 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 has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

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.

More information

For more information, please contact Dr Jeroen Oomen at j.j.oomen@uu.nl, or Dr Bonno Pel at b.pel@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

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.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The application deadline is 15 September 2024.