PhD position 'AI and the new geography of work'
Apply nowPhD position 'AI and the new geography of work'
The Economic Geography Department of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen is looking for a PhD researcher on the topic ‘AI and the new geography of work’, a project which is funded by a Starting Grant from the Faculty of Spatial Sciences.
PhD position 'AI and the new geography of work'
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What are you going to do?
Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work, reshaping how tasks are carried out, how firms are organised, and where work can take place. This raises fundamental questions about the persistence of agglomeration economies, i.e. the benefits of people and firms clustering in space. Will AI strengthen the mechanisms of sharing, matching, and learning that underpin urban productivity, or weaken them by making location less relevant? Moreover, how will AI adoption influence the role of cities as engines of growth and development? And how will AI adoption reshape the organization of work across firms and cities? AI and the new geography of work will tackle these questions head-on.
The PhD will begin with developing a theoretical framework that links agglomeration mechanisms with the reorganization of work under AI. Building on this foundation, the candidate will conduct three empirical studies using quantitative methods to test the framework’s implications. The exact project proposal will be developed in the first three months of the project as a cooperation between the PhD-researcher and the supervisors. The project will be supervised by Prof. Sierdjan Koster, Dr Femke Cnossen and Dr Conor O’Driscoll.
Central tasks include:
- Write a PhD thesis consisting of 4 first-authored articles at the level of international scientific journals, an introduction and a discussion. The thesis will be written in English.
- Present at (inter)national conferences as well as to audiences consisting of (regional) administrators, policy advisors, entrepreneurs etc.
- Develop strong communication (written and oral) skills by disseminating findings from the research beyond academia and contributing to public and policy debates on the future of work.
- Engage in teaching activities at the bachelor or master level within the Faculty of Spatial Sciences.
Who are you?
We are looking for a candidate with:
- A (Research) Master’s degree in a field of study relevant to the topic of the project (e.g. geography, economics, labour market studies, demography, sociology) or to be completed in the near future.
- Good writing skills and fluency in English; preferably experience in academic writing.
- Strong conceptual thinking with the desire and capacity to relate theoretical topics to practical challenges and solutions, also in policies.
- Excellent skills in quantitative research methods and data handling.
- Strong motivation, intrinsic interest in the topic of the PhD, good communicative skills in different settings (scientific and in the policy arena), and a proactive and independent work attitude.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (Promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- According to faculty regulations, the selected candidate will first be appointed for a period of 12 months. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. The contract will then be prolonged for another 3 years. The preferred starting date is March 1st, 2026.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.
The Faculty of Spatial Sciences (FRW) is an interdisciplinary faculty that makes a significant impact on societal issues such as climate, broad prosperity, population decline, healthy ageing, and sustainable energy. With approximately 100 staff and over 100 PhD students, we engage daily in up-to-date and relevant teaching and research in the fields of planning, demography, and geography. Through our research programme TRACE (Transformations, Communities, and Environments), we are committed to internationally oriented, interdisciplinary research. With two Bachelor’s and seven Master’s programmes, the Faculty offers broad educational opportunities to about 1,100 students from around the world. The Faculty of Spatial Sciences plays a crucial role in understanding and shaping the living environment of the future. We work for and with society. Our motto is: we are making places better together. If you would like to learn more, visit rug.nl/frw.
The PhD researcher will be based in the Department of Economic Geography. The department offers teaching and training at different levels, including the Master’s Programme ‘Economic Geography’ and its specialization ‘Economic Geography: Regional Competitiveness and Trade’. The research agenda of the department focuses on regional aspects of labour market dynamics, well-being and socio-economic disparities, transport and mobility and Real Estate.
Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
CV (including a list of publications if any), motivation letter, a copy of your Master diploma and transcripts (or a list of grades/proof of enrolment if you are near finishing), the contact details of two referees whom we may contact for a recommendation.
Interviews will be held on Friday 13 February 2026.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
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Questions about the content of the job?
Femke Cnossen
Assistant Professor
F.D.Cnossen@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Henriette van Ingen
Human Resources Adviser
H.L.van.Ingen@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Onze selectieprocedure volgt de richtlijnen van de NVP Sollicitatiecode
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