PhD Institutional Change in the Organization of Care in the Netherlands

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities Department: Department of History and Art History Hours per week: 36 to 40 Application deadline: 1 April 2026

This PhD-project explores how various forms of care arrangements have interacted and changed over time in the Netherlands during the long 20th century, and studies the reasons behind these developments. It adopts an institutional lens that emphasizes the dynamic relationships among families, for example, the gendered division of care within households, local communities, organizations, and the state in the provision of care.

Your job

Care institutions--whether informal or (semi-) formal--do not evolve in isolation; rather, they continuously influence one another. Yet relatively little is known about how these institutions have co-evolved--that is, whether they have changed in complementary or divergent ways over time, and if so, why. This project, therefore, examines the dynamic interactions among care institutions within the broader historical trajectories of changing norms (e.g., regarding gender norms related to care and work), political ideologies (concerning government responsibility for care provision), economic conditions (such as privatization, costs of care), and demographic trends as potential explanations behind this change. It examines why certain actors-- namely, families, local initiatives (e.g., citizen-based initiatives, associations, municipalities), private initiatives (entrepreneurs, market-based solutions) and the state--have gained prominence in care provision while others have declined over time, and how their respective trajectories have influenced one another. The project integrates insights from history and sociology by engaging with institutional theories from both disciplines, including institutional sociology, historical institutionalism and new institutional economics and will use a mixed-methods approach.

Your qualities

We are looking for someone who works well in a team, who also takes ownership and exhibits independence within the project, who meets the following requirements:

• a MA/MSc degree in a discipline(s) relevant for the project ((economic) history or sociology); interest in, and ideally some familiarity with, the second discipline (history or sociology);
• interest in the topic of social cohesion and in collaborating in a broad research consortium with academic and non-academic stakeholders;
• strong interest in interdisciplinary research, including analytic and theoretical dimensions;
• someone with a desire to play an active role in an inter- and transdisciplinary research community and training programme;
• professional command of both English and Dutch;
• demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, or--where experience in one is limited--clear willingness and commitment to develop working knowledge;
• a solid academic record, as evidenced by grade transcripts and relevant coursework;
• strong motivation to publish articles in international academic journals.

Our offer

• a position (1.0 FTE) for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3,059.- and € 3,881.- 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 Humanities has around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the faculty is located , contribute to an inspiring working environment.

The faculty strives for diversity among its employees and students and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, as can be read in Utrecht University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.

The core values of the faculty for Humanities are professionalism, transparency, responsibility, connectedness and safety. These values apply to everyone and we uphold these values in our work and in our communication with each other and with others.

More information

This PhD project is part of the SOCION consortium. SOCION addresses a pressing challenge of our time: fragmentation in societies. Social cohesion is society’s fabric and is key to sustainable societies and citizens’ well-being. However, it is increasingly undermined by erosion and polarization between communities, factions, and groups. In this project, psychologists, social historians, demographers, philosophers, and sociologists collaborate with civic organizations to generate and integrate insights into how connections between individuals, groups, and institutions contribute to new pathways to and forms of social cohesion.

For more information about this position, please contact (Selin Dilli) at (s.dilliuu.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 submit:
(1) a curriculum vitae including the names and contact details of two potential referees;
(2) a letter of motivation;
(3) a (research) writing sample from relevant coursework (e.g., thesis work to date, an article, or another coursework research paper); and
(4) a brief research project idea (max. 350 words) related to the PhD project, via the "Apply Now" button.

Candidates may also be asked to submit a more detailed research plan and deliver a presentation as part of the selection process.

In principle, two rounds of interviews will take place: the first will be on Thursday April 16, preferably on-site in Utrecht, and for the final two selected candidates, there will be a second online round on Friday April 24.

The application deadline is 2 April 2026.