PhD position Designing cropping systems with novel protein crops

Do you want to contribute to the protein transition? Are you interested in understanding how novel protein crops can be (re)integrated into existing farming systems? Then this PhD position within the REAP2SOW programme might be for you!

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate how current farming systems can be diversified with quinoa, white lupin and/or aardaker (Lathyrus tuberosus) as novel protein crops. The PhD position will focus on developing knowledge of cropping strategies that provide farmers with practical insights into integrating these protein crops into existing or novel rotations, thereby enhancing resilience and sustainability of biodiversity-positive farming systems. Field trials at research stations, and potentially on-farm, will generate actionable data to support farmers in making the transition towards more sustainable farming practices and in facilitating the wider adoption of these novel protein crops.

Your role

• Together with other project members, design and execute experiments on the agronomic performance and identification of biotic and/or abiotic production constraints of one or more of these protein crops.
• Interact with farmers to collect insights on current cropping systems and factors affecting the adoption of novel protein crops.
• Design diversified, protein-rich cropping systems that improve ecosystem services while minimizing negative impacts on biodiversity and the environment.
• Develop and parameterize a crop growth model for novel protein crops to predict yield.
• Write and publish your research in leading scientific journals and communicate your findings through your PhD thesis and broader societal outreach.

You will work here
This research is embedded within three research groups: the Centre for Crop Systems Analysis (CSA), the Plant Production Systems Group (PPS) and the Biosystematics Group (BIS), with supervision by Prof. Jonne Rodenburg, Dr. Paul Ravensbergen, and Dr. Klaas Bouwmeester, respectively. The Centre for Crop Systems Analysis contributes to the improvement and innovation of crop production based on crop and weed ecological insights and at various levels of integration: from genotypes to cropping systems and agro-ecosystems. The Plant Production Systems Group combines production ecological theory with empirical knowledge to provide a better understanding of sustainability of farming systems around the world. The Biosystematics Group applies fundamental knowledge on evolution and biodiversity to improve crops and (agro-)ecosystems.

This NWA-funded PhD position is part of the REAP2SOW programme, a national collaboration between Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University, Leiden University, the University of Twente, and the University of Groningen, together with partners across the agri-food sector. REAP2SOW addresses the urgent challenge of transitioning to a sustainable, plant-based protein system by 2050, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and strengthen food security in the face of climate change and increasing weather extremes that affect ecosystem functioning. The programme brings together interdisciplinary expertise spanning natural, social, and technical sciences.

Within REAP2SOW, our work package, comprising two PhD projects, will focus on designing resilient, sustainable and biodiversity-positive cropping systems for protein crops. This work package closely collaborates with other REAP2SOW WPs addressing soil health, plant physiology, and crop breeding, ensuring strong integration across disciplines and scales. The advertised position will adopt a ‘learning from farmers’ approach to explore how novel protein crops can effectively be integrated in existing crop production systems from an agronomic perspective. The second PhD position within this work package will focus on ‘learning from nature’. Together, these complementary perspectives will contribute to an integrated, system-level approach for developing future-proof protein cropping systems.

You are a highly motivated candidate who enjoys the challenge of integrating novel protein crops in alternative cropping systems designs through agronomic field experiments and interactions with farmers.

You also possess:

• A successfully completed MSc degree in plant sciences, plant biology, agronomy or related field.
• Ability to communicate scientifically as well as with non-scientific project stakeholders.
• Practical experience in agronomy or crop science, with a solid understanding of crop growth, production ecology and/or sustainable agro-biodiversity
• Enthusiasm for performing field work on-station and on-farm.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills; experience with crop modelling is an advantage.
• Affinity to work within a larger multi-disciplinary project, with strong project/time management skills.
• Proficiency in Dutch, and/or valid driving license (applicable in the Netherlands) can be an advantage.

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:

• 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 € 3.059,- 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.

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.

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.