PhD: Understanding politicization of university and education University

Location Utrecht University, The Netherlands

Are you passionate about understanding the growing politicization of science and how to address these topics in university education? Then this four‑year PhD research project is for you!

University science and education are in the midst of a storm: political developments and new, more confrontational forms of knowledge politicization have entered the realms of academic research and education. Political movements are increasingly challenging academia through questioning university collaboration between nations with different political orientations, research on specific emerging technologies and collaborations with societal partners. But some also question the use of certain terminology, and even disciplinary legitimacy.

At the same time, students are raising questions about the societal roles and responsibilities of universities.

How should we understand these new ways in which universities are politicized? What does this tell us about evolving relations between science and society? How should teachers and educational programmes deal with such politicization? And how can conversations about politicization be facilitated in meaningful ways in the classroom? Are there specific didactics, or methods for deliberation and facilitation of sensitive topic discussions that could improve geoscience education in a politicized context?

We are seeking a motivated and talented researcher for this PhD project to study the new and growing politicizations of science and how to address them in academic education. The project will focus on the geosciences, where these developments are highly potent. Since geosciences includes both social sciences and natural sciences disciplines, the plurality of politicizations is especially high. Furthermore, geosciences faculties are especially active in research and education related to sustainability – one of the most increasingly politicized knowledge domains.

Therefore, understanding new politicizations of geoscientific knowledge in research and education will be key in understanding the broader phenomenon. It also provides the perfect test case to develop didactic tools to address these politicizations in the classroom.

The PhD candidate will develop and apply qualitative and quantitative methodological skills to answer relevant timely questions. The PhD will be part of a warm and interdisciplinary team of researchers and educators who work at the intersection of Science and Technology Studies, Political Science, and Educational Sciences.

• You have a (Research) Master’s degree in Science and Technology Studies, Political Science, Educational Sciences, a Geography or Sustainability related educational program or a related discipline.
• You have affinity with the politicization of science and education. Interest in geosciences and sustainability research is welcome as well.
• You are interested in the intersection between Science and Technology Studies and Educational Sciences.
• You have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Dutch proficiency is preferred.
• You are able and excited to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• You have a clear understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• You are willing to acquire new skills as required for the research of the PhD project.

• A position for 1 year, 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.

Contact:
Jaap van Slageren at j.vanslageren for more information about this position.

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.