• Design and implement large-scale household and farm-level surveys with smallholder farmers in the MATOPIBA region to collect socioeconomic and biodiversity data.
• Analyze geospatial and survey data using rigorous econometric methods.
• Conduct workshops and focus group discussions with local stakeholders to analyze the political economy of current markets for native species.
• Write research papers and present findings at international conferences.
• Collaborate with research partners and contribute to project dissemination.

We seek a researcher with a keen interest in agricultural economics, rural development, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use. You should enjoy working with quantitative data and be motivated to conduct research that combines econometric analysis with real-world challenges. Fieldwork in Brazil is essential, so enthusiasm for working with farmers and spending time in rural areas is important.

You also possess:

• A completed MSc degree in agricultural economics, development economics, agricultural sciences, or a related field.
• Affinity with causal inference and interest in developing skills in impact evaluation and applied econometrics.
• Proficiency in statistical software such as R, Stata, or Python.
• Experience with data collection in rural areas, including biodiversity data.
• Excellent communication skills in Portuguese (C1 level).
• Knowledge of GIS and spatial data analysis is a plus.

Wageningen University & Research provides excellent employment terms, including:

• Partially paid parental leave.
• Flexible working hours for optimal work-life balance.
• Access to campus sports facilities for a small fee.
• A fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• An excellent pension scheme.

You will receive a fully funded PhD position and a tailored course program. The gross salary starts at €3,204 per month, rising to €4,051 in the fourth year, based on a full-time workweek of 38 hours. A temporary contract for 18 months will be extended based on performance.

To apply, submit your CV (max. 2 pages) and a motivation letter (max. 1 page) through our website. The maximum length for documents is 3 pages. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered. Additional files such as grades are not required at this stage.

The application deadline is October 28, 2026, with interviews scheduled for November 4 and 5, 2026.

For inquiries about the position, contact Jorge Sellare at jorge.sellare@wur.nl. For procedural questions, reach out to Jessa Rozema at jessa.rozema-stol@wur.nl.

Wageningen University & Research values diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for all employees. We encourage applications from international candidates, and our team will assist with visa application procedures if needed. We look forward to your application!