PhD in Militarization of Societal Resilience at Wageningen, Netherlands

About the Position

This Wageningen doctorate examines the militarization of societal resilience: how preparations for crisis and war reshape relationships between civilian institutions, communities and military actors.

Research Position Overview

Combine critical military and resilience studies with qualitative empirical research and policy analysis. The project is hosted by Sociology of Development and Change and considers the political and social consequences of changing civil–military arrangements.

Research Areas

• Militarization
• Societal resilience
• Qualitative research

Funding and Duration

Employment and financial support

Component	Details
Position	PhD researcher
Salary	€3,204–€4,051 gross per month for a 38-hour working week, increasing with doctoral year.
Duration	Four years, full-time (38 hours per week): initial 18-month contract, extended subject to satisfactory progress.
Programme / host support	Salaried doctoral employment in the host research group identified in the official vacancy.
Benefits	8.3% year-end bonus and pension arrangements; other benefits follow the university employment conditions.

Eligibility and Requirements

Academic preparation and appointment conditions

Component	Details
Applicant eligibility	Dutch proficiency and the certificate-of-conduct requirement apply; this is not an English-only position.
Academic preparation	MSc in a relevant social science, such as sociology, anthropology or public administration.
Research skills	Strong qualitative research preparation, analytical writing and interest in critical military or resilience studies.
Language	Fluent Dutch and C1-level English are required.

Application dates

Recruitment dates and location

Component	Details
Recruitment status	Open when verified against the official source
Deadline	2 November 2026
Start date	Not specified in the vacancy.
Location	Wageningen, Netherlands

Contact

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.

Important Notes

• Application deadline: 2 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
• Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
• Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

How to Apply

• CV: maximum two pages.
• Motivation letter: maximum one page; submit only the requested three-page application at this stage.

Submit through the application system linked from the official vacancy. Follow its current document and translation instructions.

Selection and Contact

Interviews are planned for 10 December 2026. A certificate of conduct (VOG) is required following selection.

Research contact: Jori Kalkman; supervisory team includes Bram Büscher and Sumit Vij.

About Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research works across food, agriculture, environment and society. The vacancy identifies the specific chair group and supervisory team responsible for this project.

Official Link

Official vacancy reviewed on 15 October 2026. The employer’s current notice governs application requirements and employment terms.

Read the official vacancy and application instructions

Application guides

• How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
• How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps

English language requirements

No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is requested for this employed Dutch position; English is assessed through the application documents and an interview in English.