PhD position: Legal battles and polarization in pesticide regulation

Are you interested in driving the future of food and sustainability? Are you an entrepreneurial researcher who enjoys engaging with different stakeholders in the field, and finding creative solutions to bridge societal divides? Do you have a social science background and a keen interest in carrying out innovative, societally relevant research?

In 2023, for the very first time, a judge in an EU country has banned the use of authorized pesticides because of health risks. Since then, multiple cases have been launched by societal groups, fighting the use of pesticides by farmers. While pesticides are often considered an important tool for food security, their use is now increasingly contested, spurring polarization and institutional distrust.

We are looking for a PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary research project, investigating and mapping the relationship between institutional distrust and polarization in the context of pesticide regulation. This project aims to find new and effective regulatory approaches for safe pesticide use, overcoming present institutional distrust and mitigating stakeholder polarization.

The PhD researcher will build on multiple methods, combining legal and document analysis of the regulatory landscape with qualitative and/or quantitative approaches to map the dynamics of existing (polarized) perceptions and institutional attitudes. In addition, the PhD will assess how different interventions and events (e.g., citizen lawsuits, increased information campaigns, public dialogue) worsen or alleviate gridlock and conflict.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• Carry out innovative, societally relevant research on polarization and pesticides regulation
• Participate in relevant conferences, be an active member of research groups
• Disseminate research among relevant societal groups and stakeholders
• Assist in teaching and management tasks (max 20% of your contract)

You will work here
Because of the interdisciplinary character of the project, the PhD will be jointly embedded within the Law Group and the Strategic Communication Group. You will be co-supervised by Edwin Alblas, assistant professor in environmental law, and Emma Turkenburg, assistant professor in political communication. You will have access to a vibrant interdisciplinary research community and opportunities for professional development through workshops, conferences, and collaborations.

Requirements:

This project draws on different disciplines from social sciences, including law, political science, and communication science. The PhD candidate is not expected to be an expert in all disciplines upfront but should possess broad curiosity, ability to navigate multiple fields, and enthusiasm about cross-disciplinary learning and development. There is, moreover, ample opportunity and freedom to further shape this project, which requires creativity and taking initiative.

You have:

• a successfully completed MSc/LLM degree in law, communication science, sociology, political science or in a related discipline. Candidates currently finalizing their Master’s are also eligible to apply;
• a keen interest in societal processes related to pesticide law and policy, polarization and institutional (dis)trust, and biodiversity and food safety;
• a strong background in social science research methods, and proven ability and willingness to learn new methods and interdisciplinary approaches. Experience in conducting surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups is desirable;
• excellent communication and analytical skills, an open and inquisitive personality, and the capacity to work independently;
• proficiency in Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch is 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.

Salary Benefits:

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;
• 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 € 2.872 - per month rising to € 3.670,- 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 19th 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.

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.

38 hours per week

Droevendaalsesteeg