Researcher: Multiple value creation in sustainable fashion ecosystems

Job description

Are you passionate about sustainability, innovation, and transformative business models? We are seeking a Researcher (0.5 FTE) to contribute to the groundbreaking project: Regenerative Renaissance. This project focuses on transforming the fashion industry by creating regenerative and circular value webs that deliver positive financial, ecological, and social value.

The researcher will focus on developing methodologies and tools for monitoring the progress and effectiveness of regenerative ecosystems, leveraging both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The role will involve collaboration with key partners, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research institutions, and local communities, to generate impactful insights that support regenerative transformations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on regenerative business models, biobased materials, ecosystem monitoring techniques and regenerative communications.
• Develop tools to track and assess the multiple value streams (financial, ecological, and social) created within local value webs.
• Collaborate with project partners (e.g., fashion designer Joline Jolink, Lenteland farm T'Gagel and media agency Mumster) to ensure research outputs align with the project’s objectives.
• Publish high-quality academic papers and practical reports to disseminate findings across academic and professional communities.
• Actively participate in stakeholder engagement activities, including workshops, events, and community co-creation sessions.
• Supervise researchers and support interdisciplinary collaboration.

About the Project

Regenerative Renaissance aims to create a transformative model for the fashion industry, demonstrating how SMEs can transition to regenerative business practices that support biodiversity, reduce environmental impact, and enhance community well-being. The project integrates regenerative agriculture, biobased material innovation, and community engagement to pave the way for a circular and regenerative economy.

Department

The Department of GEM is is responsible for courses in International Economics and International Business for students in Bachelor and Master programs – at the Faculty of Economics and Business.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in a related field (e.g., sustainability, business innovation, ecological economics, design management, circular economy etc.).
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and applied research.
• A strong interest and relevant experience in sustainable fashion business models.
• Experience working with SMEs or in applied research environments is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, project co-ordination and networking skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including academia, industry, and communities.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required.

Organisation

Conditions of employment

What We Offer

• An intellectually stimulating environment within the Regenerative Renaissance project.
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading experts in sustainability and regenerative practices.

We offer in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

• A salary depending on qualifications and work experience starting from a minimum of € 3,378 (salary scale 10) to a maximum of € 5,331 gross per month on a full-time basis.
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
• an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• Flexible working arrangements to accommodate the 0.5 FTE schedule.
• Access to training programs and professional development opportunities.