PhD Position: Dairy Transitions and Biodiversity Recovery, Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands

Summary

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join the transdisciplinary DECISION project. This project investigates how to transition to a resilient, nature-inclusive dairy sector in the Netherlands to bend the curve of biodiversity loss. As part of a collaborative team comprising four PhD candidates, one postdoc, and diverse public and private stakeholders, the candidate will explore the diverse values of nature, develop farm typologies, and co-design scenarios for biodiversity recovery and ecosystem services.

PhD Position: Nature-Inclusive Dairy Transitions and Biodiversity Recovery

Designation

• PhD Candidate / PhD Researcher (Full-time, 38 hours/week)

Overview at a Glance

Research Area

• Interdisciplinary Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems
• Nature-Inclusive Agriculture & Dairy Transition Pathways
• Biodiversity Recovery & Ecosystem Services Valuation
• Land Use Planning, Social-Ecological Systems & Scenario Analysis

Location

• Wageningen Campus, Wageningen, Netherlands (with full visa/relocation support provided by WUR’s Welcome Center for international candidates).

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Academic Degree: A successfully completed MSc degree in a relevant field, such as Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Integrative Agricultural/Animal/Plant Sciences.
• Methodological Skills:
  • Experience with mixed-method research (conducting/analyzing interviews, surveys, document synthesis).
  • Affinity with semi-quantitative approaches, scenario analysis, and/or Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs).
• Conceptual & Analytical Background: Familiarity with systems thinking and interdisciplinary research.
• Language Proficiency: Excellent command of English at the C1 level (both written and spoken).
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical abilities, independent initiative, constructive teamwork, and effective communication skills for both academic and non-academic stakeholders.

Job Description & Responsibilities

• Develop Project Framework: Formulate a structured Research Proposal and a Training and Supervision Plan for the PhD trajectory.
• Advance Conceptual Frameworks: Link farm heterogeneity and typologies with diverse nature valuation approaches and transition theories.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct and analyze semi-structured interviews and participatory workshops with farmers, dairy companies, policymakers, financial actors, and local communities.
• Scenario Modeling: Develop scenario analyses and forward-looking studies to anticipate the socio-economic and ecological outcomes of nature-inclusive farming transitions.
• Dissemination: Author peer-reviewed scientific publications, present findings at international conferences, and develop communication outputs for stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Actively contribute as a team player within the wider multi-disciplinary DECISION project.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the official Wageningen University & Research vacancy portal:

1. Visit the official job post on the WUR Vacancy Page.
2. Prepare and upload the following documents (maximum 3 pages total):
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date (maximum 2 pages).
   • Motivation Letter: (maximum 1 page).(Note: Submissions exceeding the 3-page total limit will not be reviewed. Grade transcripts are not required at this stage.)

Contacts for Inquiries:

• Academic Inquiries:
  • Dr. Raimon Ripoll-Bosch (raimon.ripollbosch@wur.nl)
  • Dr. Judith Westerink (judith.westerink@wur.nl)
• Procedure / HR Inquiries:
  • Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter (recruitment.asg@wur.nl)

Last Date to Apply

• September 28, 2026 (First-round interviews are scheduled for October 14–16, 2026).

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