We are looking for a postdoc to participate in a project that studies the practice of applying organic waste as a soil-quality improving technique by farmers. This practice has many potential advantages, but in spite of these not many farmers make use of it. Apparently, a combination of socio-psychological, economic, and legislation-related factors prevent farmers from a wide-scale adoption of the practice. We aim to look for ways that can trigger the uptake of the practice, and as such establish a viable social-ecological system.
The postdoc will collaborate intensively with two PhD candidates: one who studies how the soil system responds to (composted) organic waste application on field level and regional scale; and one who studies how the farmer community takes decisions regarding the uptake of the practice. The postdoc will be responsible for integrating the scientific models that are made by the PhD students. In addition, the postdoc will communicate with the societal partners involved (such as the Province of Gelderland) and as such ensure that their interests are sufficiently addressed by the work of the two PhDs. Together with the project manager, the postdoc will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project.
The research will be part of an NWO-funded research, within the program Closed Cycles.

We are searching for a highly motivated and skilled postdoc who should have:

• A PhD in social sciences or environmental sciences
• Experience with agent-based modelling; other programming languages are considered an asset
• Proven management skills
• Excellent writing and communication skills (English and preferably also in Dutch)
• Affinity with working in an interdisciplinary team
• Preferably some experience in supervising PhD students

We offer you a full time temporary position for a period of 3 years. The appointment will be initially for 12 months. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it can be extended for a total duration of 3 years. Maximum salary amounts max. € 4757,- gross per month. Salary depends on relevant experience and knowledge

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University is an international oriented University which cooperates with partners from all over the world in education and research on the theme 'healthy food and living environment'. Wageningen University's hosts students from over 100 countries. Our mission is: To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.
The Land Use Planning Group is part of the Department of Environmental Sciences of Wageningen University. We aim to improve our understanding of landscapes as social -ecological systems, thus providing the basis for sustainable land use and spatial planning. The group currently hosts about 8 PhDs that work on a variety of subjects.