PhD Funded Position: Nature-Inclusive Dairy Transitions and Biodiversity Recovery at Wageningen University
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is offering a fully funded PhD position on Nature-Inclusive Dairy Transitions and Biodiversity Recovery in Wageningen, the Netherlands. The project focuses on how dairy farming can transition toward more resilient and nature-inclusive systems while supporting biodiversity, ecosystem services, farmers, and other stakeholders.
The PhD is part of the DECISION project, a transdisciplinary research initiative that brings together farmers, dairy companies, financial and service-sector organisations, local communities, and researchers. The project aims to understand how different actors can work together to accelerate the transition toward a resilient and nature-inclusive future.
This position is particularly suitable for candidates with a Master’s degree in social sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, animal sciences, plant sciences, or another related interdisciplinary field. Experience with mixed methods, interviews, scenario analysis, systems thinking, or interdisciplinary research will be valuable.
About the PhD Project
The transition toward nature-inclusive dairy farming involves much more than changes at farm level. It also requires understanding how different stakeholders perceive and value nature, biodiversity, ecosystem services, economic outcomes, and long-term sustainability.
As a PhD researcher, you will investigate the diverse values of nature among different stakeholders and examine how these values can influence the transition toward more biodiversity-friendly dairy systems.
A major part of the research will focus on the diversity of farms and farming systems. By developing and exploring farm typologies, the project aims to better understand how different types of farms may experience the transition and what kinds of interventions could work in different contexts.
The research will also consider possible future scenarios and explore how nature-inclusive transitions could affect both businesses and the natural environment.
Research Focus
Your research will connect several important themes, including:
- Nature-inclusive dairy farming
- Biodiversity recovery
- Ecosystem services
- Diverse values of nature
- Farm heterogeneity and farm typologies
- Agricultural transitions and transformations
- Stakeholder perspectives
- Scenario analysis and future studies
- Sustainable and resilient food systems
- Interdisciplinary systems research
You will work at the intersection of agricultural research, environmental change, social sciences, and transition studies.
The project is designed to be transdisciplinary, meaning that knowledge and perspectives from researchers and non-academic stakeholders will be brought together throughout the research process.
Your Tasks and Responsibilities
As a PhD candidate, you will develop your own research within the broader DECISION project. Your work will combine conceptual development, empirical research, stakeholder engagement, and scenario exploration.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Developing a Research Proposal and a Training and Supervision Plan.
- Developing conceptual thinking around farm heterogeneity, farm typologies, values and valuation of nature, and transition or transformation theories.
- Conducting and analysing semi-structured interviews and workshops.
- Exploring scenario analysis and other approaches to studying possible futures.
- Investigating different stakeholder perspectives on nature, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
- Contributing to the development of scenarios or interventions that can support biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Publishing research findings in international academic journals.
- Presenting results at international conferences.
- Preparing accessible research outputs for stakeholders and non-academic audiences.
- Contributing actively to DECISION project activities and the wider research goals of the project.
The position will require both independent research and close collaboration with researchers and stakeholders from different disciplines.
Research Environment at Wageningen University & Research
The PhD candidate will be based within the Animal Production Systems (APS) and Land Use Planning (LUP) groups at Wageningen University & Research.
The Animal Production Systems group studies the complexity of livestock systems and examines the trade-offs and synergies associated with different innovations. Its research considers areas such as environmental impact, animal welfare, and economic viability.
The Land Use Planning group approaches landscapes as social-ecological systems. Its work explores how interventions can reduce pressure on scarce land and resources while improving landscape quality and supporting sustainable development.
Together, these research environments provide a strong interdisciplinary setting for investigating how dairy farming, biodiversity, land use, and stakeholder values interact.
PhD Supervision
The research will be supervised by:
- Dr Raimon Ripoll-Bosch, Animal Production Systems (APS)
- Dr Judith Westerink, Land Use Planning (LUP)
The PhD candidate will also collaborate with researchers and stakeholders involved in the wider DECISION project.
Candidate Profile
Wageningen University & Research is looking for an analytical, independent, and collaborative researcher who is interested in complex sustainability challenges.
You should be comfortable working with different perspectives and be willing to engage with researchers from other disciplines.
The ideal candidate has:
- A completed MSc degree in a relevant discipline such as Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Integrative Agricultural Sciences, Animal Sciences, Plant Sciences, or a related field.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to break down complex research questions.
- An interest in understanding different stakeholder perspectives.
- Experience or familiarity with mixed research methods, including interviews, surveys, or document synthesis.
- An affinity with semi-quantitative approaches, scenario analysis, and/or shared socioeconomic pathways.
- Experience with systems approaches and/or interdisciplinary research.
- Strong academic writing and presentation skills.
- The ability to communicate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.
- A responsible and independent approach to research.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Creativity, curiosity, and openness to learning from other disciplines.
- Excellent English communication skills at approximately C1 level.
An internationally recognised English-language certificate may be required depending on your background. Applicants should also review Wageningen University & Research’s PhD admission requirements.
What Wageningen University & Research Offers
This is a fully funded PhD position with a tailored training and course programme.
The position includes a range of employment benefits, including:
- A structured PhD training programme.
- Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance.
- Partial paid parental leave.
- Access to sports facilities for a small fee.
- An 8.3% fixed year-end bonus.
- An excellent pension scheme.
- An international and open working environment.
- Access to Wageningen’s green and innovative campus.
WUR offers a research environment where PhD candidates can develop both academically and professionally while working on major challenges related to food, agriculture, nature, and sustainability.
PhD Salary and Contract
The salary for this PhD position follows the Dutch university employment system.
The salary starts at approximately €3,204 per month in the first year and increases to €4,051 per month in the fourth year for a full-time appointment of 38 hours per week.
The position is classified under CAO-NU scale P.
The initial contract is for 18 months. Subject to satisfactory performance, the contract will be extended for the remaining duration of the PhD project.
Salary at a Glance
| Year | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | €3,204 |
| Year 2 | Increases according to PhD salary scale |
| Year 3 | Increases according to PhD salary scale |
| Year 4 | €4,051 |
The position is based in Wageningen, Netherlands.
Support for International Applicants
Wageningen University & Research welcomes applications from international candidates.
International employees and their families can receive support with practical matters such as:
- Visa and immigration procedures
- Finding accommodation
- Opening a bank account
- Schooling for children
- Dual-career support
- Settling into life in the Netherlands
WUR also has an International Community and a Welcome Center designed to help international staff and researchers adapt to their new environment.
Depending on eligibility, some international employees may also qualify for a tax exemption on part of their salary during their first five years in the Netherlands.
Diversity and Inclusion
Wageningen University & Research is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment.
The university encourages applications from candidates with different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and areas of expertise. The interdisciplinary nature of this PhD project also makes openness to different academic and professional perspectives an important part of the role.
About Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research is an internationally recognised institution focused on food, agriculture, nature, health, and the living environment.
Its mission is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.
WUR has around 7,600 employees, approximately 6,700 FTE, more than 13,100 students, and over 150,000 Life Long Learning participants. The organisation operates through numerous locations and research activities connected to major global challenges.
For this PhD position, you will join a research environment focused on sustainable agricultural systems and the relationship between farming, land use, biodiversity, and society.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through APPLY NOW Your application should contain a maximum of three pages in total:
- CV: maximum 2 pages
- Motivation letter: maximum 1 page
At this stage, additional documents such as grades or academic transcripts are not required and will not be considered.
Application Deadline
The vacancy information gives two slightly different deadline dates:
- The vacancy text states that applications can be submitted through September 28, 2026.
- The vacancy metadata states 29 September 2026 as the “apply before” date.
Because of this discrepancy, applicants should check the official WUR vacancy page before submitting their application and follow the deadline displayed in the application system.
Interview Dates
First-round interviews are currently scheduled for:
October 14–16, 2026
Applicants should therefore be available during this period if invited for an interview.
Contact Information
For questions about the research content or position, you can contact:
Dr Raimon Ripoll-Bosch
Animal Production Systems
Email: raimon.ripollbosch@wur.nl
Dr Judith Westerink
Land Use Planning
Email: judith.westerink@wur.nl
For recruitment-related questions:
Noorien Abbas
Corporate Recruiter
Email: recruitment.asg@wur.nl
Key Details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Position: Nature-Inclusive Dairy Transitions and Biodiversity Recovery |
| University | Wageningen University & Research |
| Location | Wageningen, Netherlands |
| Project | DECISION |
| Research Area | Nature-inclusive dairy farming, biodiversity and sustainable transitions |
| Degree Required | Master’s degree |
| Contract | Temporary, initially 18 months |
| Salary | €3,204–€4,051 per month |
| Working Hours | 38 hours per week |
| Employment Scale | CAO-NU scale P |
| Funding | Fully funded PhD |
| CV | Maximum 2 pages |
| Motivation Letter | Maximum 1 page |
| First Interviews | October 14–16, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 28, 2026 in vacancy text; metadata states September 29, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PhD about?
The PhD focuses on nature-inclusive dairy transitions and biodiversity recovery. The research will examine farm diversity, stakeholder values of nature, ecosystem services, transition processes, and possible future scenarios.
Is this a fully funded PhD?
Yes. The position is described as a fully funded PhD position at Wageningen University & Research and includes a structured training and supervision programme.
What is the PhD salary?
The salary starts at €3,204 per month in the first year and rises to €4,051 per month in the fourth year for a full-time 38-hour working week.
Where is the PhD position located?
The position is based in Wageningen, the Netherlands, at Wageningen University & Research.
What degree do I need?
Applicants should have a completed Master’s degree in a relevant area such as social sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, animal sciences, plant sciences, or another related interdisciplinary discipline.
Do I need experience with interviews or mixed methods?
Experience or familiarity with mixed methods, including interviews, surveys, and document synthesis, is relevant to the position. An interest in scenario analysis, semi-quantitative approaches, systems thinking, or interdisciplinary research is also valuable.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
The vacancy specifically requires excellent English communication skills at approximately C1 level. The research environment is international, and the position is suitable for international applicants.
How long is the initial contract?
The initial contract is for 18 months. Subject to satisfactory performance, it is expected to be extended for the remaining duration of the PhD project.
How many pages should the application be?
The application should contain a maximum of three pages: up to two pages for the CV and one page for the motivation letter.
Are transcripts required?
No. The vacancy states that additional documents such as grades or transcripts are not required and will not be considered at this stage.
When are the interviews?
The first interviews are scheduled for October 14–16, 2026.
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