Postdoc Transformative Policy and Law to Accelerate Sustainability Transitions

Postdoc Transformative Policy and Law to Accelerate Sustainability Transitions

Are you keen to contribute to accelerating sustainability transitions through regulatory innovations and policy experimentation and learning? Enjoying transdisciplinary action research?

The project ‘From EXperiment to sustainable change: TRAnsformative methodologies for Innovation and learning’ (EXTRA) seeks to overcome a persistent “pilot paradox”. In this paradox, much experimentation takes place but long‑term systemic impact remains difficult. Researchers together with all sorts of change makers will synthesise existing knowledge on how to mainstream, upscale, spread, broaden and deepen developed innovations. In this postdoc position you will be employed at the Multi‑Actor Systems Department and co‑supervised by the Rotterdam School of Law.

You will work together with a transdisciplinary action research team of 3 PhD researchers (VU Organizational Sciences/VU Athena Institute/WUR), one post doc (TU Delft TBM) and three senior researchers (HvA/HR).

• Synthesise existing research on regulatory innovations and policy experiments that contribute to sustainability transitions in renewable energy, circularity and biodiversity.
• Conduct transdisciplinary action research together with societal partners (e.g., AMS Institute, Bouwlab, Dreamhûs, Nationaal Programma Samen Nieuw‑West, PRICE Almere, The Green Village Delft) and actors at the regime level (Ministerie van VRO, Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving en Provincie Noord-Holland).
• Co‑develop a Dynamic Learning Agenda of learning questions and support action researchers in designing interfaces between experiments and policymakers.
• Generate a range of outputs, including academic articles, lay audience articles and a podcast.

• PhD degree (or almost completed) in public administration, political science, law or related fields.
• Proven experience in conducting transdisciplinary and/or action research.
• Innovative thinker with a problem‑solving mindset.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Reliable, independent, and organized, with a commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Fluency in Dutch and English (both C1 level).

• Duration of contract: 2,5 years with temporary external finance.
• Job of 32–38 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• Individual employment package possible each year.
• Discounts with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• 232 leave hours per year (at 38 hours); ability to sell or buy additional leave hours via an individual choice budget.
• Opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Programmes to support healthy, energetic work.

Relocation to the Netherlands is supported by the HR unit and the Coming to Delft Service. They offer information and events to help settle in the Netherlands and support your partner’s job search through a Dual Career Programme.