PhD: Co-production of land use futures for Brazil
Explore sustainable land use futures and stakeholder perspectives in Brazil's MATOPIBA region.
Best for:Best for social science graduates with qualitative fieldwork experience and an interest in environmental governance and land use.
Overview
Utrecht University's Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning invites applications for a PhD position focused on co-producing sustainable land use futures in the MATOPIBA region of the Brazilian Cerrado. The successful candidate will investigate how agricultural production and biodiversity conservation intersect with the livelihoods of diverse local stakeholders through qualitative field research and participatory mapping. Working within the 'Frontiers of MATOPIBA landscapes' project, the researcher will collaborate with an interdisciplinary international consortium to support evidence-based, climate-resilient policies. Expectations include conducting international fieldwork, facilitating community engagement, and publishing academic articles.
What you'll do
- Travel to Brazil to conduct qualitative field research involving local stakeholders, policymakers, and private sector actors in MATOPIBA
- Examine stakeholder preferences regarding productive agriculture and biodiversity through focus groups and semi-structured interviews
- Facilitate participatory mapping exercises to co-create spatial representations of desired land use futures
- Evaluate and document alternative land use pathways with public, private, and civil society sectors
- Write academic articles and policy briefs disseminating research findings on sustainable regional transitions
Requirements
Degree required: MSc in Human Geography, International Development Studies, Critical Agrarian Studies, or a related Social Science discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Portuguese and English proficiency
Instruction: English and Portuguese
- Background in human geography, international development, agrarian studies, or related social science fields
- Demonstrated interest in the environmental and livelihood impacts of land use
- Practical experience in conducting qualitative field research
- Proven ability to engage and work with diverse stakeholder groups
- Capacity to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research team
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-13
Submit your application through the official university portal by the specified deadline using the provided online link.
- CV
- Cover letter
- MSc transcripts
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