Three fully-funded PhD opportunities in the Netherlands are currently accepting applications, with a closing date of September 30, 2026, and monthly salaries of up to €4,051.
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is offering three research positions in quantum physics, artificial intelligence and political communication, and marine ecology. Pakistan is also included in the eligible country list for these opportunities.
Along with the monthly salary, the positions offer four-year PhD employment arrangements, an 8% holiday allowance, and an 8.3% year-end allowance, according to the scholarship listings.
Netherlands PhD Scholarships 2026 Details
| PhD Opportunity | University | Field | Monthly Salary | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Optical Clock | University of Amsterdam | Physics | €3,204–€4,051 | September 30, 2026 |
| Effects of Emotion-Sensitive AI on Politics and Policymaking | University of Amsterdam | Social and Behavioural Sciences | €3,204–€4,051 | September 30, 2026 |
| Modelling Offshore Windfarm Impacts on Marine Bird Populations | University of Amsterdam | Ecology | €3,204–€4,051 | September 30, 2026 |
1. Continuous Optical Clock PhD
The Continuous Optical Clock PhD is part of UvA’s Strontium Quantum Gases Group at the Institute of Physics. The project aims to develop a zero-deadtime optical clock that can operate continuously instead of measuring in separate cycles.
Researchers will use a continuous source of ultracold strontium atoms and four clock interrogation zones inside one vacuum chamber. This setup is designed to keep the clock operating while other zones reload with atoms.
The selected PhD candidate will help complete and operate the clock. The work includes laser systems, optics, electronics, machine upgrades, debugging, data collection, data analysis, literature research, and scientific writing.
Eligibility
Applicants need a recent master’s degree in experimental ultracold atom or trapped-ion physics. UvA also asks for good teamwork, initiative, time management, and strong written and spoken English skills.
Funding and Duration
UvA offers a four-year, 38-hour-per-week employment contract. The gross monthly salary starts at €3,204 and can rise to €4,051 in the final year. The position also includes an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end allowance.
Required Documents
Applicants need to submit:
- A detailed CV
- A motivation letter
- A list of publications
- Names and email addresses of two references
The university also asks applicants to submit their application through the online vacancy system and by email to Prof. Dr. Florian Schreck.
2. PhD on Emotion-Sensitive AI and Policymaking
The second opportunity examines how emotion-sensitive AI chatbots may influence political and policymaking communication.
The project is part of the A.I. Feels research project at UvA. The PhD candidate will study how large language models produce emotional appeals and cues when responding to prompts that politicians and civil servants might use. The research combines perspectives from political psychology, political communication, human-machine communication, and the sociology of emotions.
Alongside the main research, the candidate will contribute to project activities, teaching, seminars, conferences, and meetings with experts and stakeholders.
Eligibility
Applicants need a completed MA or Research MA in political science, psychology, communication science, computational social sciences, sociology, or a related social science field.
UvA also requires knowledge of topics related to emotions and AI, training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, strong research skills, excellent English, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Funding and Duration
The position offers a gross monthly salary of €3,204 to €4,051 and forms part of a four-year PhD research appointment. The university also provides the standard 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- CV of up to three pages
- Motivation letter of up to two pages
- A writing sample, such as part of a master’s thesis or a publication
UvA asks candidates to explain in their motivation letter how they would study emotions in AI-generated content intended for policymakers.
3. PhD in Offshore Windfarm Impacts on Marine Birds
The third opportunity focuses on the effects of offshore wind farms on marine bird populations in the North Sea.
The project will study northern gannets and common guillemots using mechanistic population models based on individual energy use. Researchers will examine the combined effects of habitat displacement, changes in ecosystems, turbine collisions, feeding opportunities, energy costs, mortality, and reproduction.
The PhD forms part of the North Sea POWER consortium, led by Wageningen University & Research. The candidate will work at UvA’s Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics and collaborate with Wageningen Marine Research and other research partners.
Eligibility
Applicants need an MSc in ecology, preferably with a background in theoretical ecology or theoretical biology. UvA will also consider candidates with strong quantitative skills and experience in population or food-web modelling.
An interest in marine biology or seabird ecology, good computational skills, and an ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment are also expected. Experience with bifurcation analysis and bioenergetic models is an advantage.
Funding and Duration
UvA will offer a four-year PhD contract, beginning with an 18-month contract that can be extended after a satisfactory evaluation. The salary starts at €3,204 gross per month and increases to €4,051 in the final year.
The position also provides an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end allowance, pension benefits, training, and opportunities to assist with teaching. The preferred start date is January 4, 2027.
Required Documents
Applicants need to provide:
- Detailed CV with education and work dates
- List of publications
- Personally written motivation letter of up to two A4 pages
- Names and email addresses of two references
UvA says complete applications must arrive through the vacancy system by the closing date. Interviews are scheduled for October 30, with a possible second round on November 19.
Scholarship Benefits
Across these three PhD positions, UvA provides a monthly salary of €3,204 to €4,051, depending on experience and year of appointment. The positions also include an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end allowance.
The PhD positions provide full-time research employment, academic supervision, training, and opportunities to contribute to teaching and research activities. The exact research environment and additional duties differ between projects.
How to Apply
Applicants should first select the PhD position that matches their academic background and research interests. They must then prepare the documents listed in the relevant vacancy and submit the application through the University of Amsterdam’s online recruitment system.
The Continuous Optical Clock, Emotion-Sensitive AI, and Offshore Windfarm PhD positions all close on September 30, 2026. Candidates should complete their applications before the deadline and follow the project-specific document and submission requirements.
Find out more details about
- Continuous Optical Clock Scholarship (PhD)
- Effects of Incorporation of Emotion-Sensitive A.I. on Politics and Policymaking Scholarship (PhD)
- Modelling Offshore Windfarm Impacts on Marine Bird Populations Scholarship (PhD)
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