PhD on Modeling soil processes/functions at the field scale in regenerative agriculture

Are you a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a strong background in process-based modeling, data analysis, and soil sciences? Do you want to participate in a large-scale project aimed at helping the Netherlands transition to regenerative agriculture? If so, this opportunity could be the perfect fit for you!

There is steadily growing pressure on agriculture and the entire food system to increase global production while promoting sustainability in terms of farmers' incomes, soil health, input use, and environmental and climate impact. Regenerative agriculture is a promising avenue to support a healthy, multi-functional and future-proof soil and farming system. Together with regenerative Dutch farmers, ReGeNL is developing a future-proof agricultural sector in which agriculture goes hand in hand with soil health and nature restoration, and a good revenue model for farmers.

Between now and 2030, the ReGeNL project will help around 1000 farmers in the Netherlands transition to regenerative agriculture. The aim is to make regenerative agriculture the new normal by 2040. We are looking for a PhD candidate who can develop mathematical models that help understand which soil processes are important for the delivery of soil functions in these farms and how management practices shape these processes. Your work will help define potential soil indicators for success in the transition to regenerative agriculture, including biological indicators that are often neglected in soil health monitoring programs.

You will be part of a team of PhDs focusing on modeling soil processes at different scales, with three other modeling-focused PhDs who will work at different scales of assessment. This work is embedded into a larger team of PhDs, who are collecting data, working on multiple topics, from ecology to economics.

The project aims to be an accelerator for the transition to a regenerative, profitable and socially supported agricultural sector. As part of this project, we will monitor and model a range of different regenerative agricultural systems to understand which combinations of practices work for a range of agricultural, socio-economic and environmental outcomes. The outcomes assessed include; soil health, water and air quality, biodiversity and socio-economic goals such as farm income, citizen involvement, animal welfare and much more. Moreover, we will study how performance on these outcomes can be valued in food system governance.

This PhD will be based within the Soil Biology Lab, in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute of Ecology and the Farming Systems Ecology group.

• As a PhD you will receive support and mentorship in the design and implementation of your PhD project. You will develop a training and supervision plan with your supervisory team and be part of the ReGeNL training programme on Regenerative Agriculture. The requirements to applicants is:
  You have:
• Background in soil sciences and agricultural sciences or related field;
• Experience in process-based modeling (agent-based modeling, differential equations) or machine learning tools.
• Good programming skills in one of the following programming languages: R, Python, MATLAB, or similar;
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken (minimum C1 level);
• Team-player skills;
• Good organizational and communication skills.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

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

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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 year-end 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 € 3,058.- per month rising to € 3,881.- 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.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

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.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands 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. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

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