PhD Funded Position in Modelling Crop Growth and Resource Use at Wageningen University, Netherlands
A fully funded PhD opportunity is available at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands for candidates interested in crop modelling, greenhouse technology, plant physiology, and sustainable controlled-environment agriculture. The position, titled “PhD position: Modelling Crop Growth and Resource Use,” focuses on developing advanced crop models that can help improve resource efficiency in innovative greenhouse production systems.
The project is particularly relevant for graduates in plant sciences, biosystems engineering, computational biology, and related quantitative fields who want to pursue doctoral research in Europe. The research will be carried out in Wageningen as part of the international Greenhouses in Transition project.
The PhD Position in Modelling Crop Growth and Resource Use at Wageningen University & Research is a research-focused opportunity for graduates interested in crop modelling, plant physiology, computational biology, greenhouse technology, and sustainable agriculture. The position offers a fully funded PhD, a starting gross salary of €3,204 per month, increasing to €4,051 in the fourth year, and an international interdisciplinary research environment in Wageningen, Netherlands.
Candidates should pay particular attention to the strict application format. The CV must not exceed two pages, the motivation letter must not exceed one page, and the combined documents must remain within the three-page limit. The deadline is 7 September 2026, with first interviews planned for 22 or 23 September 2026.
PhD Position in Crop Modelling at Wageningen University & Research
The greenhouse sector is undergoing significant technological change. New cultivation approaches, including single-truss tomato production, hybrid greenhouse and vertical farming systems, and semi-closed greenhouses, could improve the efficiency with which crops use resources.
However, these systems are highly dynamic. To manage them effectively, researchers need crop models capable of predicting plant growth, crop yield, and resource use under changing environmental conditions. This PhD project will address that challenge by developing mechanistic crop models for innovative greenhouse production systems.
The successful PhD candidate will investigate young plant production in vertical farms, source-sink relationships in single-truss tomatoes, and the integration of crop and greenhouse models to assess resource-use efficiency. Existing experimental datasets will be used to develop and validate the models, with targeted experiments conducted where additional validation is necessary.
About the Greenhouses in Transition PhD Project
The doctoral position is part of the Greenhouses in Transition research project. The project brings together universities and industry partners from the Netherlands and the United States with the goal of accelerating the development of more sustainable and circular controlled-environment agriculture.
The consortium includes universities such as the University of Wyoming, Texas A&M University, University of Kentucky, TU Delft, and University of Twente, alongside industry partners including Ridder Group, AMS Institute, Crop King USA, Bosch growers, and Addium.
The broader research team consists of 8 PhD candidates, 7 postdoctoral researchers, and 1 PDEng.
This creates an interdisciplinary research environment involving plant physiology, crop modelling, greenhouse technology, and systems engineering.
For the PhD candidate, the project offers the opportunity to work with experimental researchers at Wageningen University while also interacting with an international network of scientists and stakeholders.
The wider objective is to develop greenhouse systems that use resources more efficiently, reduce fossil-energy use, and strengthen the resilience of food production across different climates and production systems.
What Will You Research?
The PhD researcher will develop and extend process-based crop models that describe important physiological processes in plants.
The research will include areas such as:
- Carbon partitioning
- Organ growth
- Reproductive development
- Harvest index
- Crop growth under dynamic environmental conditions
- Resource-use efficiency in greenhouse systems
The position combines modelling with experimental research.
You may therefore work with experimental datasets as well as contribute to targeted climate-chamber and greenhouse experiments designed to improve model parameterisation and validate specific physiological mechanisms.
Another important part of the research will be integrating crop models with greenhouse models.
This will allow the research team to evaluate innovative greenhouse production systems not only from a biological perspective, but also in terms of resource efficiency.
Main Responsibilities of the PhD Candidate
The successful applicant will have several interconnected research responsibilities.
1. Develop process-based crop models
You will develop and extend models that represent physiological processes involved in crop development.
The models will address areas including carbon partitioning, organ growth, reproductive development, and harvest index.
2. Conduct targeted experiments
The position includes designing and conducting targeted experiments in climate chambers and greenhouses.
These experiments will help improve model parameterisation and test whether the models accurately represent specific physiological mechanisms.
3. Evaluate resource-use efficiency
You will integrate crop and greenhouse models to investigate how innovative production systems can improve resource-use efficiency.
This is an important aspect of the project because the research is designed to support more sustainable controlled-environment agriculture.
4. Work with researchers and industry
The project involves collaboration with researchers, growers, and industry partners.
The aim is to translate scientific findings into practical innovations for greenhouse production.
Research Environment at Wageningen University & Research
The research is embedded within the Horticulture and Product Physiology chair group at Wageningen University & Research.
The chair group is led by Prof. Dr Leo Marcelis.
The PhD candidate will be co-supervised by Dr. Ana Cristina Zepeda and Dr. Ep Heuvelink.
This research environment is particularly relevant for applicants interested in the connection between plant physiology, crop production, modelling, and controlled-environment agriculture.
The position also offers an opportunity to work within an international and interdisciplinary research network.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have a strong academic background relevant to crop science, modelling, biological systems, or quantitative analysis.
The vacancy requires a completed MSc degree in one of the following areas:
- Plant Sciences
- Biosystems Engineering
- Computational Biology
- A related field
Applicants should also have experience in at least some of the following areas:
- Process-based modelling
- Data analysis
- Programming
- Quantitative analysis of biological systems
Examples of relevant programming experience include Python, MATLAB, or R.
An interest in crop physiology and the ability to translate physiological knowledge into mechanistic crop models is also expected.
The university is looking for candidates who are curious, collaborative, and capable of working both independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
Strong communication skills are required, together with good proficiency in spoken and written English.
Who Is This PhD Position Suitable For?
This opportunity could be particularly relevant to graduates who want to build a research career around the intersection of:
- Plant science
- Crop physiology
- Agricultural technology
- Crop simulation
- Mathematical and mechanistic modelling
- Controlled-environment agriculture
- Greenhouse technology
- Sustainable food production
- Data analysis
- Computational biology
Candidates with a strong interest in combining biological knowledge with quantitative modelling may find the research especially relevant.
The position is not presented simply as a theoretical modelling project.
It combines modelling, experimental validation, crop physiology, greenhouse systems, and collaboration with researchers and industry partners.
Fully Funded PhD Position in the Netherlands
One of the most important features of this opportunity is that it is a fully funded PhD position.
Wageningen University & Research states that the successful candidate will receive a fully funded PhD position along with a course programme tailored to their needs and the research team.
The salary is based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU), scale P.
According to the vacancy:
- First-year gross salary: €3,204 per month
- Fourth-year gross salary: €4,051 per month
- Working hours: 38 hours per week
The initial contract is for 18 months and is expected to be extended for the remainder of the project subject to satisfactory performance.
This means the position combines doctoral research with an employment arrangement rather than being described simply as an unfunded study opportunity.
Employee Benefits
In addition to the PhD salary, Wageningen University & Research lists several employment benefits.
These include:
- Partially paid parental leave
- Flexible arrangements for working hours
- A focus on employee vitality
- Access to campus sports facilities for a small fee
- An 8.3% fixed year-end bonus
- An excellent pension scheme
The university also highlights opportunities for professional development and internal mobility.
International Applicants
International applicants are welcome to apply.
Because the successful candidate is expected to live and work in the Netherlands, Wageningen University & Research provides support related to Dutch immigration procedures.
The university states that its advisors can assist with visa application procedures for the candidate and, where applicable, their family.
International staff can also access information and support through the university’s International Community resources and Welcome Center.
Support may cover practical issues such as housing, opening a bank account, dual-career programmes, and schooling.
The vacancy also notes that certain categories of international staff may qualify for a tax exemption on part of their salary during their first five years in the Netherlands.
Eligibility for any tax arrangement depends on the applicable rules and individual circumstances.
Salary and Benefits at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Wageningen University & Research |
| Location | Wageningen, Netherlands |
| Position | PhD Position: Modelling Crop Growth and Resource Use |
| Academic level | PhD |
| Required degree | Master’s degree |
| Relevant fields | Plant Sciences, Biosystems Engineering, Computational Biology or related field |
| First-year gross salary | €3,204 per month |
| Fourth-year gross salary | €4,051 per month |
| Working hours | 38 hours per week |
| Contract | Initial 18-month contract |
| Funding | Fully funded PhD |
| Research area | Crop modelling and resource-use efficiency |
| Application deadline | 7 September 2026 |
| First interviews | 22 or 23 September 2026 |
| Location | Wageningen |
The salary, contract, deadline, interview dates, and academic requirements are taken from the supplied vacancy information.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare a concise application.
The vacancy specifies a maximum of 3 pages in total for the application documents.
You should submit:
Curriculum Vitae
A complete and up-to-date CV with a maximum length of 2 pages.
Motivation Letter
A motivation letter with a maximum length of 1 page.
The combined maximum is therefore 3 pages.
The vacancy specifically states that applications exceeding the maximum document length will not be considered.
At this stage, additional documents such as grades and transcripts are not required and will not be considered.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is Monday, 7 September 2026.
The first interviews are scheduled for 22 or 23 September 2026.
Applicants should therefore prepare their CV and motivation letter well before the deadline.
The university also requires candidates for this position to complete a mandatory additional information form.
According to the vacancy, this form is intended to provide a comprehensive view of the applicant’s qualifications and help the recruitment team assess suitability for the position.
How to Apply for the Wageningen PhD Position
Applications must be submitted through the application system on the Wageningen University & Research vacancy page: https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/phd-position-modelling-crop-growth-and-resource-use
Contact Information
Applicants who have questions about the research position can contact:
Dr. Ana Cristina Zepeda
Assistant Professor
Email: Cristina.zepeda@wur.nl
Dr. Ep Heuvelink
Associate Professor
Email: ep.heuvelink@wur.nl
Questions concerning the recruitment procedure can be directed to:
Noorien Abbas
Corporate Recruiter
Email: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl
The research topic is closely connected to major challenges facing modern food production. Greenhouse agriculture can provide controlled growing conditions, but maintaining these systems efficiently requires sophisticated approaches to managing crops, energy, water, and other resources. This PhD position approaches the problem through the combination of crop physiology, process-based modelling, greenhouse systems, experimentation, and data analysis.
For candidates interested in computational approaches to agricultural research, the position offers a strong interdisciplinary setting. The international nature of the Greenhouses in Transition project also provides exposure to researchers, universities, and industry partners across different countries.
About Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research is focused on life sciences and research related to healthy food and the living environment. Its mission is described as “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.” According to the vacancy information, Wageningen University & Research has approximately 30 branches, 7,600 employees, 6,700 full-time-equivalent employees, 13,100 students, and more than 150,000 participants in its Life Long Learning programmes.
The university describes its approach as interdisciplinary, bringing together different fields to address complex challenges related to food, agriculture, health, and the environment. The PhD candidate will work on Wageningen’s campus in an international and open working environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a fully funded PhD position?
Yes. The vacancy describes the opportunity as a fully funded PhD position and states that the candidate will also receive a tailored course programme.
What is the salary for this PhD position?
The gross salary starts at €3,204 per month in the first year and increases to €4,051 per month in the fourth year, according to the Dutch university collective labour agreement and the vacancy details.
Where is the PhD position located?
The position is based in Wageningen, the Netherlands, at Wageningen University & Research.
What degree is required?
Applicants need a completed MSc degree in Plant Sciences, Biosystems Engineering, Computational Biology, or a related field.
Is programming experience required?
The vacancy asks for experience with process-based modelling, data analysis, programming, or quantitative analysis of biological systems. Examples of relevant programming languages include Python, MATLAB, and R.
Do I need experience in crop physiology?
An interest in crop physiology and the ability to translate physiological knowledge into mechanistic crop models are listed among the desired qualifications.
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. The position requires excellent communication skills and good proficiency in English, both orally and in writing.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The vacancy provides information and support for international employees, including assistance related to Dutch immigration procedures.
What documents are required?
Applicants should submit an up-to-date CV of no more than 2 pages and a motivation letter of no more than 1 page.
The total application documents must not exceed 3 pages.
Are academic transcripts required?
No. The vacancy states that grades and transcripts are not required at the initial application stage and will not be considered.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 7 September 2026.
When will interviews take place?
The first interviews are scheduled for 22 or 23 September 2026.
Is there an additional application form?
Yes. Candidates must complete a mandatory additional information form for this position.
What is the contract duration?
The initial contract is for 18 months and is expected to be extended for the duration of the project if performance is satisfactory.
What will the PhD researcher study?
The research focuses on mechanistic crop modelling for innovative greenhouse systems, including young plant production in vertical farms, source-sink relationships in single-truss tomatoes, and the integration of crop and greenhouse models to assess resource-use efficiency.
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