Summary
Wageningen University & Research is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position within the Earth Systems and Global Change Group. This challenging project focuses on modelling the impacts of agricultural practices on soil ecosystem services across Europe. The aim is to develop site-specific recommendations for agricultural management practices in arable farming systems to enhance their contribution to a sustainable environment. The project is part of a large European research initiative with 17 partners, seeking to improve soil health assessment frameworks and inform policy recommendations at national and EU levels.
PhD: Modelling Impacts of Agricultural Practices on Soil Ecosystem Services at Wageningen University & Research
Designation
PhD Researcher
Salary and Benefits
| Benefit/Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Salary (First Year) | € 3,204 per month |
| Gross Salary (Fourth Year) | € 4,051 per month |
| Contract Type | Temporary (18 months, extendable for project duration) |
| Work Week | 38 hours (full-time) |
| Parental Leave | Partially paid |
| Work-Life Balance | Discussable working hours |
| Vitality & Sports | Access to campus sports facilities (small fee) |
| Year-End Bonus | 8.3% fixed |
| Pension Scheme | Excellent |
| PhD Program | Fully funded with tailored course program |
| International Support | Visa application, housing, bank account, dual career programs, schooling assistance, potential tax exemption for international staff |
Research Area
The research is embedded within the Earth Systems and Global Change Group and focuses on:
- Expanding and improving an existing modelling framework to assess carbon and nutrient flows and soil functions contributing to multiple ecosystem services.
- Simulating and upscaling the impact of farming practices on soil ecosystem services at regional/EU level.
- Performing an integrated spatial assessment of soil ecosystem services and adoption of farming practices, identifying synergies and trade-offs.
- Assessing the impact of co-created adoption policies/measurement packages at farm system level.
Location
Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
Candidates should possess the following:
- A successfully completed MSc degree in environmental sciences, agricultural studies, or a similar field with a strong quantitative background.
- Knowledge of soil health, nutrient, and/or agrochemical cycles in agriculture.
- Experience in quantitative modelling and programming (e.g., R, Python).
- Excellent scientific writing skills in English (C1 level expected).
- Good organizational and intercultural communication skills.
- Willingness to travel across Europe.
- Enthusiasm for collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
- Meet the entry requirements of the WUR PhD program.
- Enthusiasm to undertake a four-year PhD project at Wageningen University.
Experience with publishing peer-reviewed academic journals is appreciated.
Scholarship Description
This is a fully funded PhD position for 4 years, offering a comprehensive course program tailored to the candidate’s needs and the research team. The scholarship supports research aimed at developing and refining modelling frameworks to understand and predict the effects of various agricultural practices on soil ecosystem services across Europe. The project’s outcomes will directly contribute to sustainable environmental practices and inform policy-making at both national and European levels.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply directly through the Wageningen University & Research website. Applications should include:
- A complete and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).
- A motivation letter (maximum 1 page).
The total length of these documents must not exceed 3 pages. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required at this stage and will not be considered. Applicants must also fill out a mandatory online form to provide a comprehensive view of their qualifications.
Last Date for Apply
October 2, 2026
Apply Link
https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/phd-modelling-impacts-agricultural-practices-soil-ecosystem-services
