Post Doctoral Researcher in Cooperative Forms and Circular Bio-Based Business Models

Are you passionate about researching innovative business models, with a particular interest in cooperative forms and the circular economy? Do you have a strong background in business science, qualitative research, and a drive to contribute to sustainable biobased business transition? If so, we would like to invite you to apply for a postdoctoral position at Wageningen University & Research.

The Business Management and Organization (BMO) at Wageningen University and Research is looking for highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in the area of Sustainable and Circular Biobased Transition and demonstrated ability to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary setting.
In this role, you and your future colleagues will investigate how businesses can collaborate effectively to foster sustainability and contribute to the transition toward a more circular biobased economy. Using qualitative research methods such as SLR, interviews, and case studies, you will explore the dynamics of these business models and identify key factors that support sustainable practices, particularly in the agri-food and forestry sectors.

Duration:2 years contract

You will:

• engage in research projects examining how businesses can work together proficiently to promote sustainability and aid in the shift towards a more circular economy.
• collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team in business management, economics, and sustainability to create innovative solutions for sustainable business practices.

The tentative starting date is 1st of July 2025.

You will join the dynamic research group in Business Management and Organisation (BMO) at Wageningen University & Research. You will work closely with Dr. Giustina Pellegrini and Dr. Emiel Wubben and interact with PhD students, postdocs, and staff members. Our international team provides a stimulating research environment to explore how businesses address societal challenges while transitioning to operate more sustainably.

You have a strong interest in business science and are particularly driven by applying qualitative research methods to investigate business practices and organizational behavior. You are eager to contribute to research that promotes sustainable practices in circular business and are comfortable working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. You enjoy working both independently and as part of a team to tackle complex problems in business models and the circular economy.

You also possess:

• a PhD degree in business science or related relevant social science discipline
• proven experience in qualitative research methods
• the ability to independently manage research projects and contribute to team-based research
• strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights
• experience in business model analysis, sustainability, or circular economy practices
• a very good level of written and oral English (C1 level).

You will work here
The research is embedded within the Business Management & Organisation - WUR at Wageningen University.

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;
• 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 of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.378,- and € 5.331,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended for 1 more year on good performance. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

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. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs 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”. 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.