Postdoctoral Researcher ‘Inclusive Governance’ for the Prince Claus Chair

Deadline: 1 Nov ’26 · Posted: 2026-10-05

• Research fields: Political sciences
• Job types: Postdoc
• Education level: Doctorate
• Weekly hours: 28—40 hours per week
• Salary indication: €3706—€5760 per month
• Location: Bijlhouwerstraat 6-8, 3511ZC, Utrecht

Job description

Institutions for Open Societies (IOS), in collaboration with Utrecht School of Governance, Faculty of Law, Economics & Governance, are honored with the appointment of Prof. Ine Apapoe (Anton de Kom University) as the Prince Claus Chair under the theme: Equity from Within: Maroon Governance and the Future of Development in Suriname. To support this appointment, we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher, based in Utrecht, for the period February 2027 until January 2029. The postdoctoral researcher is co-funded by Utrecht University Fund and IOS.

Your job

In this role, you will combine theoretical and methodological expertise in research with organizational and social skills to advance the goals of the Prince Claus Chair (approximately 50-50%). The postdoc position is designed to enhance high-quality academic scholarship and leverage evidence-based research for equity and development, with an emphasis on Suriname and the advancement of Inclusive Governance in Suriname. You will work closely with the Prince Claus chairholder, who will stay in Suriname and Utrecht on an alternating basis.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a pivotal role in advancing the strategic and academic objectives of the Prince Claus Chair. The research focuses on the intersection of traditional governance, post-slavery legacies, and inclusive development. By placing Maroon communities of Suriname in a comparative global context, alongside other traditional societies and African-descended populations, the PCC aims to deepen our understanding of shared governance challenges and strategies. The research by the PCC fits into current societal debates around ethnicity, land rights, sustainable development, female leadership and the social, economic and environmental impacts of utilizing natural resources. It provides an opportunity to explore important themes such as equity, access to resources, and the participation of marginalized populations. This will come together under the heading of Inclusive Governance. Research will have academic and societal impact, and tasks include:

• Designing and conducting research approaches and methodologies aimed at understanding Inclusive Governance, in Suriname and elsewhere;
• Involvement in developing research proposals, instrumentation, design, sampling, data collection, data analysis and report writing;
• Publishing and disseminating research findings to (inter)national academic, public and practical audiences, in multiple (written and oral) ways;
• Editorial roles related to writing and publishing a book on public governance and administration in Suriname.

Approximately half of the available time is reserved for research aligned with the PCC’s goals, and half of the time for organizational and project support. The postdoctoral researcher will be the first point of contact for these organizational activities and will work closely with the chair holder, prof. Ine Apapoe, and representatives of the strategic theme Institutions for Open Societies, Utrecht School of Governance, REBO faculty, and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the chair’s objectives.

Key organizational responsibilities will include:

• Facilitating international collaboration, for example by organizing events;
• Developing and implementing activities within UU (IOS and REBO/USG) in line with the workplan of the PCC;
• Managing the visits of the PCC to Utrecht, and organizing events, workshops and meetings;
• Practical support to the PCC related to proposal writing, book publishing and other activities as defined in the workplan.

Requirements

The researcher will be expected to demonstrate strong social and organizational skills, extensive methodological expertise, cultural awareness, the ability to work collaboratively in an international academic environment, and a commitment to advancing (interdisciplinary) research and practice. Knowledge on and/or previous working experience in Suriname is an asset.

Successful candidates have the following qualifications:

• Ongoing or completed PhD in a relevant field;
• Written and oral fluency in Dutch and English;
• Expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies;
• A keen interest in governance, institutions, equity and development, and global perspectives;
• Experience with interdisciplinary research projects;
• Strong social and organizational skills, including project management and event coordination;
• A proactive attitude, with a hands-on but (culturally) sensitive work approach;

Conditions of employment

• a job for two years;
• a working week of 28 - 40 (0,8-1 FTE) hours and a gross monthly salary between €3.706 and €5.760 (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth, flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment.

Employer

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance is a faculty at the heart of society, with a strong focus on social issues. Our subjects of Law, Economics and Governance give us a strong mix of academic disciplines that complement and enhance each other. This is a unique combination and a mark of our faculty's strength.

Utrecht University School of Governance (USG) is one of the three departments of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance of Utrecht University. USG studies public issues and public organisations in their interaction with the developments in politics and society.

IOS

Institutions for Open Societies (IOS), one of the strategic themes of the UU, brings together scholars from different disciplines working on key topics that are essential for building or maintaining sustainable, open and resilient societies.

Prins Claus Chair

The Prince Claus Chair in Equity and Development was established by Utrecht University and the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam in early 2003 in honor of his royal highness Prince Claus of the Netherlands (1926-2002). Chairholder Ine Apapoe hopes to change the way societies make youth policy: ‘"An appointment at the PCC represents more than a personal milestone; it is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to my research ambitions and professional development, while also offering the chance to strengthen the Anton de Kom University in the scientific realm" says Ine Apapoe. "I view my work as a bridge between academic research and community knowledge, grounded in both empirical data and cultural insights. Through this approach, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable scientific framework, ensuring that the voices and experiences of the Maroon community in Suriname are recognized and heard in discussions regarding governance, decision-making processes, development, and sustainability—both within Suriname and beyond." This exciting job opportunity combines a challenging research component and organizational component both of which are critical in making the ambitions of this Prince Claus Chair possible.

Additional information

For more information, please contact Marnix de Witte at m.a.dewitte@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

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