We offer a position at the assistant or associate professor level. Perennial crops produce a wide variety of products (coffee, tea, rubber, cocoa, oils, fruits, pharmaceuticals etc) quintessential to human life and demand is increasing rapidly. Despite this importance, production of these crops lags far behind what is possible. Furthermore, global climate change has been projected to negatively impact production of most perennials and increased production should not go at the expense of natural biodiversity (e.g. destruction of- or cultivation in rain forest). Both public and private sectors are keenly aware of these problems. In spite of this urgency, there is still relatively little knowledge of the physiology and ecology of perennials or how they respond to environmental (climate) change. Research tools that are well-established in annuals still need to be developed or improved for perennials. Finally, linkages between perennial crop production, ecosystem services and other farm functions and local/regional value chains are poorly understood especially for smallholder dominated crops.

We seek a highly motivated plant/crop eco-physiologist or ecologist with a keen interest in and preferably experience in perennial crops.

The focus of the research is:

• furthering the physiological and ecological knowledge of these crops,
• integration of this knowledge in quantitative crop models,
• analysis of the perennial production systems (including agroforestry) considering ecological sustainability and climate resilience.

Research involves collaboration with public and private partners. This is a combined research and teaching position: the successful candidate will be actively involved in developing and teaching crop science and/or related subjects.

We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications:

• a PhD in the area of plant sciences, ecology, physiology or agronomy;
• a strong publication record in top quality journals;
• well-developed modelling skills;
• affinity with environmental and/or socio-economic agricultural questions, and application of science for societal goals;
• experience in acquiring and managing externally-funded research projects;
• affinity and preferably experience working with public and private partners;
• affinity and preferably experience with teaching.

This is initially a seven year position in which you will enter the tenure track. We provide a stimulating environment for science, with commitment to help you develop in your career.

We offer you a temporary contract which will be extended if you perform well. Gross salary per month: from € 3.475,- up to € 6.438,- based on full time employment and depending on expertise and experience. In addition, we offer a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-the-year bonus of 8.3% of your annual salary. We give you freedom for your working hours and offer you the time and space that you need. A part time employment is also possible.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food & food production, food security and a healthy living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 5000 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

This is a joint position at Plant Production Systems Group (PPS) and Centre for Crop Systems Analysis (CSA) which are part of the Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University. Both groups are strongly committed to excellent research and teaching providing the scientific basis for the development of high-quality plant production in sustainable agro-ecosystems. The emphasis of PPS is on sustainable production systems for crops (including integration with livestock), resource use efficiency and equitable management of natural resources. CSA focuses on understanding the functioning of crops from underlying physiological and community ecological processes. The two groups are physically located adjacent to each and share many facilities. Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR) is internationally renowned for its research and education in the fields of life sciences, plant improvement and sustainability. Through these activities we aim to make essential contributions to the quality of life.