Within the Business Economics group of Wageningen University (www.bec.wur.nl) a PhD position has become available with a multi-disciplinary nature, linking soil science, crop production, (farm) economics and policy support with regard to ecosystem services. The broader framework of the position is within the EU-funded international project Soil Values.

The main focus of the research will be on the relations between various stakeholders and their interests regarding the implementation of ecosystem services, and the (farm) economic, institutional and policy implications hereof.

The PhD project has a quantitative-analytical nature. Various techniques will be applied, such as statistical analysis, bio-economic modelling of farm production, and system optimization. However, the ultimate aim is supply of relevant information for decision support to stakeholders and policy. Hence, translation of research findings for subsequent use also is an important aspect of the work.
Activities include:

• Conceptualization of a multi-disciplinary research and decision/policy problem;
• Analysis of quantitative data resulting from the broader EU-project (statistical and other types of modelling);
• Bio-economic modelling linking soil and crop production aspects to (farm) economics;
• Exchange with and consultation of stakeholders and policy makers.
• Relevant courses to overcome possible knowledge/skills gaps will be provided.

Needless to say that the PhD project is highly multi-disciplinary, both as project as such as well as within the larger EU-project which includes partners with various backgrounds from different countries. Collaboration with other researchers and research groups is important and will be facilitated. Therefore, possible gaps in knowledge and/or skills can be overcome since appropriate courses are part of the training programme.

The successful candidate is expected to have or will obtain within due course an MSc in either (1) economics (e.g. agricultural economics, quantitative economics, general economics), or (2) soil and/or crop science with a proven interest in economics. Knowledge of Dutch language is not essential, but can be a pre.

Needless to say that you have analytical and communication skills, both verbal and in writing, and that you meet the minimum requirements of the WU PhD programme.

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

• study leave and partially 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 compensation / 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 € 2.541,- per month rising to € 3.247,- 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 17th 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 & 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, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 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 this video to get an idea of our green campus!