Do you have a passion for conducting applied economic research on sustainable and fair food chains? Do you want to make well-founded policy recommendations and develop practical tools to stimulate the transition to sustainable and fair agri-food chains? Then this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference!

This vacancy is part of the "Sustainable Chains" expertise group. In total, there are ten expertise groups within Wageningen Economic Research. The sustainable chain group, consisting of 28 enthusiastic professionals, is committed to a more sustainable world through applied socio-economic research and providing independent advice to governments, businesses, and NGOs based on the latest scientific insights.

The group specializes in economic sector and chain studies (monitoring projects and competition and pricing analyses), mapping sustainability performance of sectors and companies, and advising governments and businesses on reducing social and environmental footprints. For each research assignment, the most suitable project team is assembled based on the required expertise and skills. We often collaborate with other departments of Wageningen University & Research and other knowledge partners.

As a researcher and project leader, you will work in varying interdisciplinary teams on research projects related to sustainable food chains. You can translate the results into usable and independent advice and present research results clearly and concisely to our clients, both verbally and in writing. You are also a sparring partner for our clients and can translate their knowledge questions into clear project and research proposals. Additionally, you will coordinate small and medium-sized projects.

Examples of challenges you might work on include:

• Developing methods and tools to quantify, monetize, and internalize external effects in food chains (CBA, true cost accounting, true pricing).
• Researching pricing in agricultural chains and potential barriers to transitioning to a more sustainable food system.
• Developing an interactive dashboard for supermarkets to encourage them to make the right sustainable choices.

• MSc in agricultural economics, general economics, environmental economics, or business economics.
• Excellent quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• At least 5 years of work experience in (applied) research.
• Experience in acquiring and coordinating projects with clients from the public and private sectors.
• An engaged personality who enjoys working in a team, with a client- and result-oriented attitude, good presentation skills, and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English, both written and spoken.
• Experience with Microsoft tools, such as PowerPoint, Excel, Power BI.
• Knowledge of agro-food chains is a strong plus.

When it comes to working conditions, Wageningen University & Research is a great place to be. Highlights from our collective labor agreement include:

• Flexible working hours to achieve an optimal work-life balance.
• The possibility to build up extra compensation hours by working more.
• Sabbatical leave, study leave, and partly paid parental leave.
• A focus on vitality with access to on-campus sports facilities at an attractive rate.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Excellent pension scheme through ABP.

Along with these excellent secondary employment conditions, we offer a competitive salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a market-based salary of up to € 5,737 per month for a full-time workweek of 36 hours according to the Wageningen Research collective labor agreement (scale 11). Furthermore, a 32-hour appointment is negotiable.

Initially, we offer you a one-year contract, which, upon mutual enthusiasm, will be extended to a permanent contract. Of course, we are happy to discuss any questions you may have.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal growth opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we offer excellent training opportunities. With us, you get a versatile job in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & 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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.