ERC-Funded CATCH Project 2026: Fully Funded PhD, Postdoc & RA Positions
Are you a researcher passionate about the environment and history? The ERC-Funded CATCH Project 2026 offers fully funded PhD, postdoctoral, and research assistant positions. This chance lets scholars from around the world join an exciting study on the Catholic Church’s role in environmental issues.
Hosted at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the project looks at how the Church has shaped environmental politics since the 1960s. It covers topics from Vatican changes to global activism under Pope Francis. The work is open to all, with no need for religious beliefs.
About the CATCH Project
The CATCH project, or “The Catholic Church and the Environment,” traces the Church’s environmental history. It starts from Vatican II reforms and goes to today’s global efforts. Researchers will study how the Church joined UN talks and local fights for the planet.
Key areas include the growth of eco-awareness in the Church and its part in world governance. The project uses case studies from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This makes it a full picture of religion’s link to ecology.
The Radical Environmental Humanities Hub (REH2)
Part of the project builds the Radical Environmental Humanities Hub (REH2). This center connects environmental humanities and political ecology fields. It focuses on views from the global South and non-English speaking areas.
REH2 plans to boost research, teaching, and public talks on eco-challenges. It will lead in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Team members will help run events and collaborations.
Positions Available
The project needs talented people for several roles. All come with full funding, office space, and travel support.
Postdoctoral Researchers (2 Positions)
These jobs last 3 years, with possible extensions. You need a PhD in fields like international relations, political science, or environmental history. Strong English and Italian skills help.
One role (PDR1) covers the Church’s global role in UN conferences and Vatican work. The other (PDR2) focuses on Italy’s eco-policies and Christian Democrats.
PhD Candidates (5 Positions)
These 4-year spots require a master’s degree. Fields include history, sociology, anthropology, or oral history. English is key, plus languages like Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Tagalog, Zulu, Xhosa, or Afrikaans for some.
PhD1 studies Brazil’s liberation theology and land fights. PhD2 looks at US environmental justice and Catholic protests. PhD3 covers Italy’s local Church groups. PhD4 examines South Africa’s anti-apartheid eco-struggles. PhD5 explores Philippines anti-mining efforts by bishops.
Research Assistant (1 Position)
This 2-year role, extendable to 5 years, needs a master’s. Skills in digital humanities, WordPress, social media, and archiving are ideal. English plus Spanish or Galician required.
The RA (code RA) handles website management, content, and research organization.
Case Study Research Areas
Each position ties to a real-world case. Examples include the Church at UN events, Italy’s policy shifts, Brazil’s land movements, US anti-nuclear work, South Africa’s extractivism fights, and Philippines Church activism. These cases show the Church’s wide impact.
Programme Expectations
You must move to Santiago de Compostela for the work. No full remote options, but fieldwork travel is funded. Duties include your own research, team projects, publications, and REH2 events.
Resources and Benefits
Salaries match academic levels. You get office space, IT tools, travel money, and publication funds. This setup supports a strong career start.
Timeline and Start Dates
Postdocs and the research assistant start soon after selection. PhDs begin in September 2026. Apply by April 25, 2026.
Why Apply to the ERC-Funded CATCH Project 2026
Join a top ERC project for real impact. Work across fields, build global networks, and shape environmental talks. It’s perfect for early-career scholars aiming high.
Application Process
It has two steps. First, send an Expression of Interest.
Include a cover letter, CV, research plan (for PhD/postdoc) or website plan (for RA), writing samples or portfolio, and three referee contacts. Make one PDF.
Email to marco.armiero@usc.es with subject: “Expression of interest CATCH [Position Code]”.
Shortlisted applicants do the full University of Santiago de Compostela process. Codes are PDR1, PDR2, PhD1-5, RA. Deadline is April 25, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CATCH Project about?
The CATCH Project studies the Catholic Church’s role in environmental issues from the 1960s to now, including Vatican changes and global activism.
What positions are available and how long do they last?
There are 2 postdoctoral positions for 3 years, 5 PhD positions for 4 years, and 1 research assistant position for 2 years that can extend to 5 years. All are fully funded.
Where is the project located and what are the requirements?
It is hosted at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. You must relocate there, with English skills required and other languages helpful depending on the role.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Send one PDF with cover letter, CV, research plan or portfolio, and referee contacts to marco.armiero@usc.es using subject ‘Expression of interest CATCH [Position Code]’. The deadline is April 25, 2026.