Are you passionate about advancing nature-inclusive agriculture and horticulture? If you have a keen interest in biodiversity, ecosystem services, and biological pest control, consider this PhD opportunity within the NWO-KIC project RISE – Resilient Integrated Systems for Ecosystem restoration. In this role, you will work alongside a team of four PhD candidates to create an interactive spatial decision-support framework aimed at facilitating agrifood transitions, while closely collaborating with farmers, growers, and societal stakeholders.

Over het Bedrijf

RISE is an interdisciplinary initiative involving Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Leiden University, and Inholland University of Applied Sciences, supported by a wide network of partners in agriculture, horticulture, regional development, and more. The project focuses on two regional case areas: Oostland Zuid-Holland, emphasizing greenhouse horticulture, and Reusel-Zuid, concentrating on open-field agriculture, with an additional region for validation.

De Rol

This PhD position is hosted by Wageningen University & Research, within the Laboratory of Entomology and the crop protection team in Bleiswijk. You will be part of a closely-knit group of PhD candidates working across various disciplines, receiving cross-university supervision to ensure integration of innovation science, system dynamics, spatial modeling, and ecology.

Verantwoordelijkheden

• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative methods for monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Conduct field and greenhouse studies to validate ecosystem services and key performance indicators.
• Investigate how functional diversity can enhance biological pest control.
• Contribute to scenario development and implementation roadmaps for nature-inclusive agrifood systems.
• Publish high-quality academic papers on topics such as functional ecology and collaborative innovation for biodiversity restoration.

Vereisten

• A completed MSc degree in Biology, Plant Sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in insect ecology and biological pest control.
• Experience with experimental research on insects.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Fluency in English (C1 level) and preferably Dutch for effective engagement with local stakeholders.

Wat We Bieden

Wageningen University & Research provides excellent employment conditions, including:

• Partially paid parental leave and flexible working hours for optimal work-life balance.
• Access to campus sports facilities for a small fee.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and a robust pension scheme.
• A fully funded PhD position with a tailored course program.
• Salary starting at €3,059 per month, increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year, based on a full-time 38-hour workweek.
• A temporary contract for 18 months, extendable based on performance.

Sollicitatieproces

To apply, submit your CV (max. 2 pages) and a motivation letter (max. 1 page) via the apply button on our website by 31 July 2026. The first interviews will be scheduled shortly after the closing date.

Belangrijke Informatie

For more details, contact Prof. Gerben Messelink at gerben.messelink@wur.nl. For questions about the application process, reach out to Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, at vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.

Wageningen University & Research values diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming environment for all. We are committed to exploring nature's potential to enhance quality of life through integrated solutions across various disciplines.