The Department of Geography, Planning and Environment is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to explore the social, technological and cultural dimensions of space exploration and colonisation. If you have a strong background in social sciences or humanities, with a particular interest in the study of outer spaces, we want to hear from you! You will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, participate in collaborative projects, and contribute to the geography of outer spaces.
The research is funded by an incentive grant and will be conducted under the supervision of Dr Alana Osbourne.
Dr Osbourne’s research explores the link between extractivism, colonialism and outer space. It departs from the observation that mining on earth is essential for devising the technology to go into space. Simultaneously, outer space quarrying is pitched as a solution to earthly resource scarcity. Yet, both on earth and in space, the extraction of natural resources is rooted in Euro-American colonialism. Focusing on earthly and alien rock displays in museums, her project shows how, far from being a closed historical chapter, colonial logics of resource mining extend into the future and beyond our orbit. A sub-part of the project explores the relationship between oceans and outer spaces as seafaring was crucial to colonial expansion and to the development of technologies used for space voyage. Studying colonial continuities through rock and maritime exhibitions, the project shapes debates around the ‘decolonisation’ of museum collections, mining and space travel.
To complement this research project, you will be expected to design and conduct an original, rigorous ethnographic study exploring the connections between terrestrial and extraterrestrial colonial endeavours. The project is intended to be flexible, allowing you to shape it according to your specific interests and conduct the research independently.
Based on your fieldwork, and in collaboration with Dr Osbourne, you will engage with critical, timely and decolonial conceptual frameworks. You will write and co-author scientific articles and complete a PhD dissertation within four years. You will also participate in conferences, workshops, seminars and other scholarly activities, and contribute to the teaching programme of the department of Geography, Planning and Environment (about 10% of your contract).
Profile
- You demonstrate a passion and aptitude for research.
- You have proven interests in colonial processes and at least one of the following themes: the social sciences of outer space; ocean spaces; extractivism.
- You have an MA in Human Geography, Anthropology, Black Ecologies, Blue Humanities, STS or a related field.
- You have a critical take on colonial continuities.
- You have relevant empirical research experience, including experience with conducting fieldwork, ethnography or other relevant qualitative methodologies.
- You have an excellent command of written and spoken English, as evidenced by a writing sample.
- You are a proactive team worker with good project planning skills.
If this vacancy appeals to you, but you are uncertain whether you might be the person we are looking for, please do apply. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, and specifically from people with backgrounds underrepresented in academia.
Additional employment conditions
Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University’s primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.
We are
As part of the Geography, Planning and Environment department (GPE), the Human Geography Chair Group is a growing, dynamic and collaborative collective of engaged scholars. Our teaching activities specialise in Urban and Cultural Geography, Border Studies and Migration, Geopolitics of Conflict and Energy, as well as Critical Economic Geography. Our teaching programmes are informed by our research agendas. Our current group of geographers at Radboud University has substantially enriched conceptual, methodological and empirical debates on, inter alia, urban public space, (b)ordering of spaces, regional economic innovation systems, migrant transnationalism and mobility/immobility, cross-border governance, processes of securitisation, geographies of outer space, geographies of care, capitalist extraction, energy and coloniality, and decolonial scholarship. We feel committed to a critical and constructive approach to research that addresses topical debates and is theoretically incisive, methodologically innovative and justice oriented. These values are reflected in our teaching practices.
Nijmegen School of Management
At Nijmegen School of Management, one of the seven faculties within Radboud University in the Netherlands, we have a clear aim: we enable students, institutions and companies, social actors, and governments to play their part in the transformations towards a sustainable society through high-quality scientific research and education. With more than 4,500 curious students and more than 450 dedicated employees, we form a dynamic community.
Our mission ‘Responsible governance for sustainable societies’ is driven by the ambition to make a difference in the world. At Nijmegen School of Management, we understand management as a broad concept referring to the collective and organised pursuit (responsible governance) of a better world (sustainable societies). We study and teach management at the level of public and private organisations. In this context, we examine how to balance economic, ecological, and social values in a sustainable way. This aim is in line with Radboud University’s mission to contribute through teaching and research to a ‘free, healthy world with equal opportunities for all’.
At Nijmegen School of Management, academic research and teaching are carried out in following areas: Business Administration, Economics and Business Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Human Geography, Spatial Planning, and Environment. Our approach to teaching and research is evolving from multidisciplinarity, where we study societal challenges from different disciplinary backgrounds, to interdisciplinarity (integrating disciplinary perspectives for synergy) and transdisciplinarity (involving non-academic stakeholders).
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an important source of inspiration for our work. Our work focuses on the themes Social economy, Resilient society and Sustainable environment. At Nijmegen School of Management, we have our eyes on the world of the future, in which sustainability and responsibility are central values. Together we are creating a better world for everyone.
Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.
You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Alana Osbourne. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.
The first interviews will take place on Friday 12 September. Any second interview will take place in the following week. You will preferably start your employment on 1 November 2025.
