PhD candidate on the development of new, interlocking sustainable and circular business models

Are you a social scientist passionate about the transition to a sustainable, circular society? Join us as a PhD candidate in the NWO-funded project ACT! Accelerating the Circular Transition. A New Paradigm for Society.

Job Description

About the project
You will participate in the exciting multi-disciplinary project ‘Accelerating the Circular Transition’ (ACT!). ACT! develops a systemic approach to accelerate the fair transition to a circular society in The Netherlands (and beyond). It will co-create a toolbox, including shared visions of a circular society (with societal wellbeing at the centre), simulation models, and an integrated approach to manage this complex transition. For this, the consortium exists of a large variety of scientific researchers (from different disciplinary backgrounds) in combination with stakeholders from all parts of the Dutch society, from (national, regional and local) government to industry, and local NGO’s. 

The Maastricht Sustainability Institute (MSI) at the School of Business and Economics of UM is one of the partners in ACT!. A key challenge in the circular transition is to establish circular value chains that are composed of interlocking circular business models. The primary objective of the PhD position at MSI is to develop actionable insight on how such value chains can be facilitated to emerge in the context of wider efforts (from civil society and government) to accelerate the circular transition. In the course of the project you will work together with researchers at other universities that are partners in ACT!. 

Essential requirements

• A completed Master’s degree in sustainability science, business/organisation studies, innovation studies, human geography, political economy, environmental studies.
• Capability to critically engage with the concept and practice of circular economy.
• Affinity with theorising on at least two of the following concepts: sustainability, circular economy concepts such as sustainability transitions; circular economy principles and business model innovation; supply chain management; just transitions. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and writing skills with a proven ability to synthesize complex concepts and empirical data into clear structured analysis and writing including academic papers or reports. 
• Experience of conducting qualitative research such as document analysis, interviews, literature reviews and/or participatory approaches like co-creation and co-design of workshops.
• Ability to work in a transdisciplinary and collaborative environment with a demonstrated capacity to engage with the diversity of academic, policy and business stakeholders. 
• Fluent written and oral English. Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English, both within academic setting and in engagement with practitioners and non-academic partners. 

Desirable

• Proficiency in Dutch, or the willingness to learn.
• It is desirable to have experience of working in interdisciplinary teams.

What we offer
As a PhD candidate at the School of Business and Economics, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary from €2901,00 in the first year and €3707,00 gross per month in the fourth year (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 18 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 2,5 years will follow. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 
   

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

The School of Business and Economics
The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is one of Maastricht University’s six faculties. Our mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, by co-creating knowledge and developing team players and leaders for the future.

By joining SBE, you will be part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to be Triple Crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). You will join an inspiring and international environment, where learning and development is priority. 

 
Department

The Maastricht Sustainability Institute (MSI), part of the School of Business and Economics, is a leading centre for research and education on sustainability science and transitions. MSI’s work addresses urgent global challenges by integrating systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and transdisciplinary methods. The Institute plays a key role in national and European research programs on circular economy, sustainable innovation, and governance for sustainability transitions. PhD candidates at MSI benefit from a dynamic, mission-driven research environment with opportunities to engage in high-impact academic and policy-oriented work.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Professor Frank Boons via f.boons@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than 22 June 2025, for this position.

Please upload your CV and motivation letter.

The interviews will take place on 8 July 2025 in Maastricht or online. 

Expected start date would be in the autumn of 2025.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.