Researcher on the Effects of Manure Policy on Agricultural Operations/Micro-Economist and Model Developer, Junior/Medior

Are you someone who thrives in the world of agriculture, data analysis, and micro-economic modelling? Have you always wanted to work on quantitatively researching the effects of investments by individual agricultural entrepreneurs on their operations, income, and the environment? Or how they can adjust their operations to improve water quality? Or what the effects of policy measures are on investments, operations, and scaling up? In short, which companies do what and to what extent.

Wageningen Social and Economic Research is looking for a researcher who is proficient in (panel) data analysis and in applying and further developing our set of micro-economic models. The analysis of panel data includes researching the effects of manure policy on agricultural operations.

In this role, you will be the expert who translates the results of panel data analyses into valuable insights for governments, sector organisations, and agricultural businesses. Your knowledge is crucial for the National Monitoring Network for Manure Policy Effects (LMM). You will be able to apply your results and place them in context in projects that investigate the relationship between agriculture, the environment, and nature at the farm level. You will use micro-economic models such as financial-economic simulation models, farm economic optimisation models, and emission models. You will collaborate with other departments of Wageningen University & Research and knowledge partners.

As a Researcher in panel data analysis and micro modelling, focusing on the effects of manure policy on agricultural operations, you will be a key link within the Performance & Impact Agrosectors expertise group. This group consists of passionate professionals dedicated to sustainable agriculture and a vital countryside. Within this group, economic sector studies are conducted for governments, sector organisations, and businesses, and independent advice is provided based on scientific insights. Intensive use is made of the economic/technical individual farm data from our own Farm Information Network (BIN).
Would you like to use your knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable agriculture and a healthy countryside? Apply now for the position of (Junior) Researcher on the effects of manure policy on agricultural operations/micro-economist and model developer at Wageningen Social and Economic Research!

• We are looking for someone with a completed master's degree in agricultural economics, agronomy, or bio-physical sciences, or an IT/Data management master's with knowledge of the agricultural sector.
• Affinity with the agricultural sector, especially arable farming and livestock farming, is essential. Current practical knowledge of the operations of agricultural businesses and sustainability initiatives in agricultural sectors is a plus.
• It would be great if you have knowledge of panel data analysis techniques and programming languages.
• You are motivated to apply and further develop our micro-economic models.
• It would be great if you have knowledge of panel data analysis techniques and programming languages, such as GAMS, R, Python, and/or C++.
• You will work in an international environment where English is an important language. It is important that you have a C1 language level. If you do not yet have this level, you can attend our language centre, Wageningen in’to Language.
• We are looking for someone who is accurate, has a well-developed analytical ability, a relationship and result-oriented attitude, and good writing skills.
• Proficiency in Dutch, both spoken and written, is required.

We understand that you may not meet all the requirements of the vacancy, but if you have solid work experience, we still encourage you to apply. You will have plenty of challenges and development opportunities!

At Wageningen University & Research, you are in good hands when it comes to employment conditions. Highlights from our CAO include:

• Working hours that can be determined in consultation, allowing for an optimal work-life balance.
• The possibility to work extra hours, up to a maximum of 40 hours per week, to build up extra holiday hours.
• Sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave.
• There is a lot of attention to vitality, and you can use the sports facilities on campus for a small fee.
• The possibility to work from both our office in The Hague and Wageningen.
• A structural year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Excellent pension scheme via ABP.
• We initially offer a one-year contract, with the possibility of a permanent contract in the long term.

In addition to these excellent secondary employment conditions, a suitable salary is, of course, also part of the package. Depending on your experience, we offer a market-conform salary of up to €6,008 for a full working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CAO Wageningen Research (scale 11). Moreover, a 0.8 FTE appointment is negotiable.

The location is Wageningen or The Hague.

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. You will have a versatile job in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

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.

For more information about this position, please contact Bert van der Scheer (team leader of the Performance & Impact Agrosectors expertise group), tel. 06-2852 1646, email: bert.vanderscheer@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.ssg@wur.nl.

Want to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications via our website will be considered.

You can apply until Monday 23 June 2025. The first interviews are scheduled for the second half of July at the earliest.

Procedure
Within our selection procedure, an assessment may be included as part of the process.

Welcome, safe and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) attaches great importance to diversity and inclusion. This is because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We therefore create a working environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued, regardless of background, identity or experience. Together, we build a culture where everyone's unique contribution contributes to the success of our organisation.