International candidates, including Ugandan citizens, are explicitly supported and Utrecht University states that required Dutch visa and work-permit processing will be arranged with its International Service Desk after selection. Candidates should have a relevant background such as economic geography, economics, sociology, innovation studies, development studies or related social sciences, quantitative analytical skills and English proficiency at C1 level.

This four-year PhD examines how international mobility of highly skilled researchers influences European innovation, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. The project combines large-scale career, publication and patent data with other sources on individual mobility and preferences.

Benefits
The appointment starts with a one-year contract and is extended to four years after a successful first-year assessment. Full-time gross salary is EUR 3,204 to EUR 4,051 per month under Dutch university salary scale P, plus 8% holiday pay, an 8.3% year-end bonus, pension participation, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment benefits and professional-development support. International candidates receive institutional assistance with visa and work-permit processing.

Requirements
Applicants need relevant Master\'s-level preparation, quantitative data-analysis and statistics skills, strong academic writing, ability to work with multiple datasets and C1 English. The application requires a motivation letter, CV, academic writing sample preferably a Master\'s thesis and names and contact details of two referees. Selected international candidates must provide Bachelor\'s and Master\'s diplomas and corresponding grade lists in English.

How to apply
Use the Apply Now function on the Utrecht University vacancy page and upload the motivation letter, CV, writing sample and referee details. Submit the complete application by 2026-09-14. Recommendation letters are requested only from candidates shortlisted for interview.