PhD in the economic aspects of water-resilient landscapes

PhD in the economic aspects of water-resilient landscapes

Faculty: Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance Department: Utrecht University School of Economics Hours per week: 36 to 40 Application deadline: 17 March 2026

University School of Economics offers a fully funded PhD on the economic aspects of water-resilient landscapes. The project develops a comprehensive economic analysis of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), with Zeeland as a core case study. The PhD will analyze sectoral development and adaptation, assess socio-economic impacts of NbS, study stakeholder expectations and critically evaluate cost-benefit frameworks comparing NbS to traditional flood protection measures. The candidate will apply mixed quantitative and qualitative methods within the interdisciplinary Delta Climate Center network.

Your job

We seek a PhD researcher to conduct high-quality economic research on water-resilient landscapes, with a focus on the economic assessment of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). You will work on an original PhD project embedded in the Utrecht University School of Economics and the interdisciplinary Delta Climate Center, combining rigorous economic analysis with real-world policy relevance. Your research will contribute to academic debates and inform public decision-making on flood risk management and climate adaptation.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing an original PhD research project on the economic impacts of NbS in water-resilient landscapes.

• Applying advanced economic methods (e.g. DiD, impact evaluation, cost-benefit analysis) using quantitative data and qualitative fieldwork.

• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed academic journals and presenting them at conferences.

• Collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.

• Participating in various Delta Climate Centers community meetings and events.

• Teaching (up to 10% of your appointment).

• Contributing to academic life within the Utrecht University School of Economics.

Your qualities

We are looking for a talented researcher with passion for applied research, who meets multiple of the following requirements:

• a Master’s degree in economics or a related discipline. A research master’s degree is preferred;
• a talent for quantitative research skills in social sciences (e.g., econometrics, surveys); qualitative research skills are an asset, but will be developed throughout the trajectory;
• a team player and proactive organizer. You are comfortable doing multidisciplinary research and interacting with important stakeholders;
• having a preference for regional-level research questions;
• excellent writing skills. You speak and write English fluently, and you are at least proficient in Dutch on a B2 level;
• being willing to have research visits for a few weeks/months abroad (for instance in Gent, in Boston and/or Vietnam);
• being willing to work two days a week at the Delta Climate Center in Vlissingen;
• eager to conduct innovative and thorough research, resulting in a PhD degree within four years.

Our offer

• a job for 48 months (1,0 fte);
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary of € 3.059 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P 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 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 .

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 .

The Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance is a faculty at the heart of society, with a strong focus on social issues. Our subjects of Law, Economics and Governance give us a strong mix of academic disciplines that complement and enhance each other. This is a unique combination and a mark of our faculty’s strength.

The Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is part of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. U.S.E. aims to contribute to an economy where people flourish by taking a broad view on welfare and its causes. We aspire to be an internationally renowned school of economics with scientifically robust and socially relevant research and education. We enrich economics with other disciplines to better solve problems and identify opportunities, from a business as well as government perspective.

U.S.E.’s Bachelor’s programme Economics & Business Economics offers students a solid foundation in economic theory and methods, combined with insights from business economics, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, ethics and sustainability. The programme has about 1,500 students from various backgrounds and nationalities and is completely taught in English.

More information

For more information, please contact Julia Swart at J.Swartuu.nl

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.

The application deadline is 17 March 2026.