How to apply

• Follow the link to the application website for the position you want to apply for.
• Fill out the application form and upload all required documents (see below).
• If you are interested in more than one position within the ECCO project, you can apply for up to 3 positions. Please indicate in each of your motivation letters which (other) positions you have applied for and, if applicable, which position you prefer. This helps the matching process within the ECCO project.
• Make sure to complete your application for the PhD vacancies by 15 February 2026.

Documents needed for your application

For your application to be considered, please prepare and submit the following documents using the online application form. Please note that some positions come with specific requirements in terms of tests (language or otherwise). Check the individual application websites for more information. 

1. Curriculum Vitae (in English): A comprehensive overview of your academic and professional background.
2. Academic transcripts and diplomas
   1. Certified diplomas: Provide a certified copy of each academic diploma in its original language. Certified copies must bear the original signature and seal of the issuing office.
      If you have not yet completed your current degree programme, submit the diploma as soon as it is available.
   2. Certified translations of diplomas: If your diplomas are not in English or Dutch, include a certified translation. If a translation is not available from the issuing office, a translation with the original signature of a sworn translator is acceptable.
   3. Certified academic transcripts: Submit a certified copy of all academic transcripts (grade lists) in the original language. Certified copies should have the original signature and seal of the issuing office.
      If your degree is still in progress, submit a provisional grade list. This document should be no older than one month at the time of application and must be issued or verified by the registrar's office or examination administration. Submit the final transcript as soon as it is available.
   4. Certified translations of transcripts: If your transcripts are not in English or Dutch, include a certified translation. Translations should either come from the issuing office or bear the original signature of a sworn translator.
3. Academic references: Two academic reference letters are required (only academic references are accepted). In the online application form, please include the email address, affiliation, and position of each referee and let them know that ERIM may contact them directly to request their reference letter. There is no specific format required for these letters. While two references are mandatory, you may include a third if you wish.
4. English proficiency (for non-native speakers): If English is not your native language, you will need to submit language test scores, such as:

• TOEFL iBT
• IELTS

You may be eligible for a language test exemption if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You have obtained a bachelor/master diploma from a university in the Netherlands; or
• You have obtained a pre-university education (VWO) diploma and English was one of the subjects included in the assessment conferring that diploma and graded a 6.0 or higher; or
• You have obtained a diploma of International Baccalaureate (valid for 5 years); or
• You are a native speaker of English (i.e. a national of one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States of America) and you have obtained a diploma of secondary education in English for at least 2,5 years in one of the above countries; or
• You have obtained your diploma of higher education in English (the entire programme) in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States of America.

5. Statement of Purpose (motivation letter): Describe your motivation to apply for a PhD position at the ECCO project. N.B. If you are interested in more than one position within the ECCO project, you can apply for up to 3 positions. Please indicate in each of your motivation letters which (other) positions you have applied for and, if applicable, which position you prefer.
6. Research Statement: An outline of the research questions you are interested in exploring and the methodologies you plan to use to address them (maximum 2 pages, 11-point font, single-spaced). Optionally, you may include academic references if relevant.
7. Publications, conference submissions and/or other output documenting scientific engagement: Optional but beneficial, particularly if relevant to your proposed area of research.