Have you wondered why it is so difficult to manage supply chain risks and how that can be improved? Are you passionate about designing resilient and sustainable supply chains? Are you interested in improving the way we can consider risk management in the optimization of logistics models and networks using mathematical programming, quantitative system analysis, and data analytics? Do you appreciate collaboration with industry? Then this PhD position might be the perfect fit for you!

The Operations Research and Logistics group of Wageningen University is hiring a PhD candidate (4 years, full-time employment) to support the development of a new methodology for managing supply chain risks based on stress testing methods. So far, the management of risks in supply chains has mainly relied on the identification and classification of supply chain risks based on impact and probability of occurrence. Unfortunately, it turns out that often risks are very difficult to predict and that one may need to analyze many (often irrelevant) scenarios.

In the proposed research project, we aim to develop a reverse approach to tackling supply chain risks. This approach starts from the conditions under which a supply chain functions well, instead of the supply chain risks themselves. This approach is inspired by risk analysis approaches in the financial world that became common practice after the 2008 financial crisis. In this project, you will further outline and detail this approach using quantitative models and methods. You will collaborate with a variety of food companies that the ORL group has strong ties with, including food processing and retail.

The research is embedded in the Operations Research and Logistics group, which is led by Prof. Dr. ir. Sander de Leeuw. Daily supervision will be done by Dr Frans de Ruiter.

The group consists of 25 academics (staff and phd candidates) focusing on operations and supply chain issues in food and bio-based supply chains. Within this scope, the core research areas are:

• operations and supply chain performance analysis,
• the strategic configuration of network structures, and
• the tactical and operational planning of material flows.

Our research aims to improve sustainability, product quality and safety, resilience, as well as health and nutrition, besides the traditional focus on efficiency. Current examples of research are the design and operation of circular supply chains, the management of risks and disruptions in supply chains, the development of sustainable supply chain designs for healthy diets, the operations in omni-channel retail, the management of not-for-profit supply chains, and supply chain planning to minimize waste.

You have

• A university degree (MSc) in a discipline relevant to the PhD project (e.g., operations research, operations management, industrial engineering, computer science);
• Experience with quantitative optimization methods (e.g., mathematical programming) and related software and programming languages;
• Knowledge on important challenges of managing risks in supply chains and an interest to combine theory and practice in this context;
• A collaborative mindset and an interest in working together with people from industry (in multi-disciplinary projects); proven experience in working on research projects with industry is preferred.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized 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 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 18th 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.

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. For instance under the "30% rule", certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.

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.