Career at WUR

About Us

At Wageningen University & Research, we offer a dynamic working environment characterized by variety, challenges, and a strong focus on personal development and work-life balance. We are recognized internationally for our leadership in research and innovation.

Your job

This PhD position focuses on the critical role of well-designed reward schemes in enhancing biodiversity at the farm level. If you are interested in dairy farming systems in the Netherlands, this opportunity is for you. You will investigate existing reward schemes for biodiversity, assess dairy farmers' preferences, and analyze the impact of these schemes on farm income and the adoption of biodiversity measures. Your research will help design reward schemes that align better with the practices of farmers, agribusiness, and financial institutions, ultimately improving biodiversity.

The PhD position is part of the DECISION project (Dairy and Ecology: co-innovating business operations for nature), primarily funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). This transdisciplinary project includes four fully-funded PhD candidates and a postdoc, with active participation from private companies and stakeholders, focusing on the Alblasserwaard region.

Responsibilities

• Develop a research proposal and Training and Supervision Plan for the 4-year PhD trajectory.
• Conduct research focusing on four objectives:
  • Analyze reward schemes for biodiversity, considering multiple actors and types.
  • Evaluate dairy farmers' preferences for different reward schemes.
  • Assess the impact of reward schemes on the implementation of biodiversity measures and farm income.
  • Analyze risks associated with implementing biodiversity measures.
• Disseminate findings through academic publications, presentations at international conferences, and stakeholder-focused content.
• Collaborate as part of the DECISION project team.

Work Environment

You will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Miranda Meuwissen and Dr. Max Koppenberg from the Business Economics (BEC) group, along with Dr. Raimon Ripoll-Bosch from the Animal Production Systems (APS) group at Wageningen University & Research. Their expertise encompasses farm economics, risk management, sustainable finance, and the interactions between livestock, nature, and economy, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of this PhD position.

Your Profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic and results-driven candidate with:

• A completed MSc degree in Agricultural economics, food and agribusiness, or sustainable finance, with an interest in farming systems; or animal/crop production systems with a focus on farm economics.
• Experience with quantitative methods, including farm accounting, modeling, or statistical analyses.
• Experience in primary data collection, such as interviews and surveys.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills in both academic and non-academic contexts, with a strong command of English (C1 level).

What We Offer

Wageningen University & Research provides excellent employment conditions, including:

• Partially paid parental leave.
• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.
• Access to campus sports facilities at a nominal fee.
• An annual end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A comprehensive pension scheme.

In addition to these benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and a tailored course program to support your development and research.

The gross salary for the first year is €3,204 per month, increasing to €4,051 in the fourth year, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P), based on a full-time workweek of 38 hours. The initial contract is for 18 months, extendable based on performance.

We encourage internal mobility and development within our organization. For any questions, our recruitment team is available to assist.

You will be part of the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, working in an international and open environment.

International Candidates

Wageningen University & Research is a leading institution in life sciences, with a significant international community. Our advisors will assist you with visa applications for yourself and your family, ensuring a smooth transition to living and working in the Netherlands.

For more information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Miranda Meuwissen (miranda.meuwissen@wur.nl) or Dr. Raimon Ripoll-Bosch (raimon.ripollbosch@wur.nl). For procedural inquiries, reach out to Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, at recruitment.ssg@wur.nl.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following documents via the application button on our website:

• A complete and up-to-date CV (max. 2 pages).
• A motivation letter (max. 1 page).
• Transcripts of records.

Applications will be accepted until 28 September 2026, with interviews scheduled for 13 October 2026.

Commitment to Diversity

Wageningen University & Research values diversity and inclusion, believing that diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions. We strive to create a welcoming and safe work environment where everyone feels valued, regardless of their background or experience.

About Us

Wageningen University & Research aims to explore nature's potential to enhance quality of life. With around 30 branches, 7,600 employees, and 13,100 students, we are a leading organization dedicated to addressing critical issues in healthy food and living environments. Our integrated approach fosters collaboration across disciplines.

Discover why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and explore our green campus through the video below!

We will handle recruitment internally, so no employment agencies, please. However, sharing within your network is appreciated.

Location

Wageningen

Professional Field

PhD & EngD

Educational Level

Master's Degree

Apply Before

29-09-2026

Salary Range

€3204 - €4051

Hours

38