• Developing a Research Proposal and Training and Supervision Plan to structure the 4-year PhD trajectory.
• Mastering the state of the art in ecosystem services delivery from grasslands under various management regimes.
• Investigating relationships between grassland management, ecosystem services, and livestock productivity through regression analysis, mechanistic modelling, and meta-analysis.
• Assessing the environmental and socioeconomic performance of dairy farms under different scenarios using a bio-economic optimization model (Dairy LP).
• Disseminating research results through writing papers and presenting at international conferences.

This PhD will be situated at the Animal Production Systems group at WUR, focusing on the roles of livestock in sustainable food systems. The group examines the complexity of livestock systems and explores trade-offs and synergies regarding environmental impact, animal welfare, and economic viability.

This project intersects biodiversity and modelling domains within the group, supervised by Dr. Raimon Ripoll-Bosch and Dr. Aart van der Linden. Raimon focuses on the interactions between livestock, nature, and economy, while Aart specializes in modelling farm systems with crops and livestock.

You possess strong quantitative and analytical skills and excel in collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. You communicate effectively with both scientists and farmers, are eager to learn about various models, and are passionate about grass-based agriculture.

• Demonstrated knowledge of dynamic, mechanistic models and/or optimization models.
• Experience programming in R, GAMS, or Python.
• A completed MSc degree in a relevant field, such as Agronomy, Animal Sciences, Plant Science, Environmental Sciences, or Integrative Agricultural Sciences.
• An affinity for a systems approach and/or interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent writing skills.

Proficiency in English (level C1) is required for this position, with internationally recognized certificates possibly needed.

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 at a low fee.
• An annual bonus of 8.3%.
• A robust pension scheme.

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

The gross salary for the first year is €3,204 per month, increasing to €4,051 in the fourth year, based on a full-time 38-hour work week according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). A temporary contract for 18 months will be extended for the project duration based on performance.

We encourage internal mobility and development within our organization. Our recruitment policy outlines specific conditions for current and former employees. For any queries, we are here to assist.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, within an international and open environment.

Wageningen University & Research is a leading institution for life sciences, with a diverse international community. Our team will assist you with visa applications for yourself and your family.

Feeling welcome is crucial, and our International Community page offers practical information for international employees. Our Welcome Center provides support with housing, banking, dual career programs, and schooling. Certain international staff may be eligible for tax exemptions during their first five years in the Netherlands.

For more details about the position, contact Dr. Aart van der Linden (aart.vanderlinden@wur.nl) or Dr. Raimon Ripoll-Bosch (raimon.ripollbosch@wur.nl).

For procedural questions, reach out to Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, at noorien.abbas@wur.nl.

You can apply directly via the apply button on the vacancy page on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, send the following documents (max. 3 pages total):

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

The total length of documents must not exceed 3 pages. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered. Additional documents like grades and transcripts are not required at this stage.

The application deadline is 19 October 2026. Interviews will be scheduled shortly after the closing date.

An assessment may be part of the selection process.

Wageningen University & Research values diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background or experience. Together, we build a culture where each unique contribution adds to our success.

Wageningen University & Research's mission is to explore nature's potential to improve quality of life. With around 30 branches, 7,600 employees, and over 13,100 students, we are a leading organization in our domain, focusing on integrated approaches and collaboration across disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will handle recruitment for this vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies, please. However, sharing within your network is appreciated.

Wageningen

PhD & EngD

Master's degree

20-10-2026

€3204 - €4051

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