We invite applications for a PhD position within the European Training Network "REFLOW" entitled 'Phosphorus Recovery for Fertilisers from Dairy Processing Waste', in which a large number of European research institutes and stakeholders participate. The early stage researcher (ESR) will work on the 'Techno-economic assessment of the commercial viability of organic fertilizer production processes and products'. The PhD research is multi-disciplinary and involves close collaboration with other research areas, particularly within the project. The research is focused on four main objectives:
Compare different phosphorus recovery technologies and products from techno-social-economic perspectives.

• Analyze the economic viability of an investment in phosphorus recovery from dairy processing wastewater using a stochastic simulation approach.
• Explaining investment behavior in phosphorus recovery technologies in the dairy processing industry using the real options approach.
• Evaluate the impacts of policies on the viability of investing into phosphorus recovery and investment decisions.

The ESR will be required to undertake PhD studies and must fulfil the requirements of the university's doctoral training programme. She or he will have opportunities to visit other network partners for secondments, and attend the research and training events of the network. All costs will be fully funded (100% employment) for two years by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme which also offers highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. The REFLOW Training Network is coordinated by the University of Limerick.

The successful candidate is expected to have an MSc in either (1) economics (e.g. agricultural economics, quantitative economics, general economics) or (2) Agricultural or environmental science.

At the core of the MSCA-ETNs is researcher mobility. The recruited Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity in the country he/she will be employed for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 2.395,- per month rising to € 3.061,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the "Best University" in the Netherlands for the 16th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University and Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With its roughly 30 branches, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen's unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.
Read the 5 reasons why your future collaegues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!