Application Deadline
August 8, 2026
Fully funded research role seeks social science researcher to develop innovative risk communication models across Europe Wageningen University & Research has announced a postdoctoral opportunity for researchers interested in disaster risk governance, climate resilience, and participatory approaches to community preparedness. The Postdoctoral Position on Societal Disaster Risk Preparedness will contribute to the Horizon Europe-funded AMPLIFY project, which explores how creative and participatory methods can improve disaster preparedness and climate resilience across European communities. The position is based in Wageningen, Netherlands, within the Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning group at the School of Environmental Sciences. Applications close on 17 July 2026. Researcher will explore how communities prepare for climate-related risks The postdoctoral researcher will join an international, interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of science, governance, society, and the arts. The AMPLIFY project aims to strengthen disaster preparedness by improving risk communication and encouraging inclusive participation in resilience planning. The research will focus on how creative methods can support communities facing risks such as: Flooding Storm surges Wildfires Other climate-related hazards The project seeks to ensure that disaster preparedness strategies include groups often overlooked in traditional approaches, including people with lower literacy levels and communities with fewer economic resources. AMPLIFY project combines research, arts and community engagement The successful candidate will work with a European consortium involving researchers, artists, government authorities, emergency responders, and social organisations from several countries. The project includes Creative Hubs in: The Netherlands Ireland Italy A European Youth Camp Hub involving multiple countries Through these hubs, researchers will support communities in developing new approaches to understanding risks and preparing for emergencies. The postdoctoral researcher will act as an embedded researcher, connecting academic research with creative experimentation and local action. Role focuses on developing the Preparedness Pathways model A central responsibility of the position will be contributing to the development of the Preparedness Pathways model. The model aims to provide local and regional authorities with practical guidance for improving disaster preparedness through stronger collaboration between institutions and communities. The researcher will use approaches including: Participatory action research Creative experimentation Future-oriented methods Creative policy dialogues Systems thinking The work will involve analysing experiences from different Creative Hubs and translating lessons into recommendations for European disaster preparedness policies. Key responsibilities include research, coordination and publishing The appointed postdoctoral researcher will contribute to both academic research and practical project activities. Main responsibilities include: Analysing creative, artistic, and cultural approaches to disaster preparedness Conducting stakeholder interviews and workshops Supporting co-creation and validation activities Coordinating Creative Hub activities in the Enschede region Building relationships with local partners Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals Presenting research outcomes at conferences and project meetings The role offers opportunities to develop an independent academic profile while contributing to an international research programme. Candidates need expertise in risk governance and qualitative research Wageningen University & Research is seeking candidates with a strong background in disaster risk governance, climate resilience, or related social and environmental sciences. Applicants should have: A PhD in risk governance, spatial planning, environmental sciences, social sciences, or a related field Strong experience with qualitative research methods Experience conducting interviews, ethnography, workshops, or action research Experience with participatory, transdisciplinary, or co-creation processes Ability to collaborate with communities, policymakers, authorities, and creative professionals Strong academic writing skills in English Candidates who are close to completing their PhD are also encouraged to apply. Dutch language skills required for community engagement Because the role involves working with local stakeholders, candidates are expected to have strong Dutch communication skills. Required language abilities include: Dutch proficiency at CEFR level B2 or higher English proficiency at a minimum B2 level The researcher must be able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, ranging from community members to policymakers and academic audiences. Position offers competitive salary and academic development opportunities Wageningen University & Research offers a range of employment benefits, including professional development opportunities and flexible working arrangements. The position includes: Gross monthly salary between €3,546 and €5,538 for a full-time 38-hour working week A year-end bonus of 8.3% Pension benefits Sabbatical leave and study leave opportunities Flexible working arrangements Access to campus sports facilities The initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension by 20 months based on performance. A contract of 0.8 FTE may also be discussed. International applicants supported with relocation International researchers joining Wageningen University & Research can receive support with relocation and immigration procedures. The university provides assistance with: Visa applications Housing guidance Banking arrangements Dual career support Schooling information for families Eligible international employees may also qualify for certain Dutch tax benefits. Applications close on 17 July 2026 Researchers interested in contributing to innovative approaches for climate resilience and disaster preparedness are invited to apply. Applications must be submitted through the official Wageningen University & Research recruitment website. Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – Societal Disaster Risk PreparednessLocation: Wageningen, NetherlandsEmployment: 32–38 hours per weekSalary: €3,546–€5,538 per monthApplication deadline: 17 July 2026 For position enquiries, candidates can contact Assistant Professor Karin Snel at karin.snel@wur.nl. The first interviews are scheduled for 21 and 23 July 2026. VISIT HERE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW See This Channel For Daily Jobs in South Africa
Category
grant
Type
online
Organization / Source
globalsouthopportunities.com
Posted
July 9, 2026
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