We are looking for
An enthusiastic postdoc to examine consumer response to the new concept of 'Technology-for-Ecology-based farming' (T4E): biological/ecological principles in farming within the Synergia program.

What you are going to do
In this 2 year position you will research consumer associations and attitudes in relation to replacing traditional agriculture with T4E approaches. The research investigates ambivalence consumer may experience from the combination of hi-tech and ecology in Technology-4-Ecology-based farming products.
An initial exploratory study has been conducted. Based on the analysis of this data you will develop surveys, experiments or further interpretative studies to understand ambivalent consumer response to T4E. This is expected to lead to several scientific publications.

The project and the group
The Synergia program is a crossover program funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) contributing to the UN Sustainability Development Goals for the environment, labour, and society. Synergia is developing the new concept of 'Technology-for-Ecology-based farming' (T4E) wherein biological/ecological principles in farming lead the development of new farming systems and the required technological knowledge, principles and tools. In the program Wageningen University & Research, University of Twente, Eindhoven University of Technology, Technical University Delft, Radboud University, Top Institute Food and Nutrition (TiFN) and a broad range of private sector partners collaborate.
You will work closely with PhD candidates and postdocs who work on the societal aspects of T4E approach as well as with researcher on technical and applied topics. This collaboration must ensure that the research outcomes on the one hand are providing insight into the societal value of actual technologies and on the other are allowing societal issue to influence technology development.
On a daily basis you will be embedded in the Marketing and Consumer Behaviour group of Wageningen University. We have a vibrant group with multiple PhD and postdocs next to a staff of 12 assistant, associate and full professors.

• a PhD related to consumer psychology (e.g. marketing, social psychology, etc.);
• an interest in innovations and the societal impact thereof.
• experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods;
• ambition to contribute to scientific progress as well as to performing and publishing societally relevant research;
• a team member who participates in project meetings and discussions across scientific fields;
• willingness to collaborate with private partners
• affinity or a true interest in agricultural, biological systems and sustainable developments in these fields
• excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Dutch;

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:

• sabbatical leave, 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 of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 2.960,- and € 4.670,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). This is a position for 4 years and 0,8 fte. You will receive a one year contract, which will be extended with an additional three years upon satisfactory performance.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. 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

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!

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