PhD position - Food and land use system transformations in Europe; a critical perspective on existing scenarios and models

Are you passionate about sustainability and ready to tackle complex systems? Do you want to explore how food and land use systems can be transformed to address global challenges while considering uncertainties, technology, and policy?
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join the Business Economics group at Wageningen Univeristy & Research!

Current food and land use systems need to be transformed into systems that are more sustainable and better connected to local contexts and cultures. In recent years, numerous transformation scenarios and models have been developed to address th.is need. These scenarios and models operate at different levels, ranging from farm and value chains, to entire regisions, such as Europe as a whole.

But how realistic are these scenarios? For instance, do they account for uncertainties, such as the impact of extreme weather events? What technologies are assumed to be adopted, and how realistic are these assumptions? Are farmers capable of adopting these technologies? Do the scenarios and models align with existing policies? And what alternative future scenarios might exist?

These are the central questions of this PhD project. Rather than developing a new model, the project critically evaluates key scenarios and models that already exist. It aims to assess their assumptions, limitations, and applicability to real-world contexts.

The project is embedded in a collaborative programme between the University of Copenhagen, the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development (Utrecht University), and Wageningen University and Research.

Description and objectives of the PhD project
This PhD project aims to critically reflect on existing transformation scenarios and models from the perspectives of policy, uncertainty, technology and behaviour.

More specifically, the aim of the PhD project is to:

Create an overview of transformation scenarios and models, including their underlying assumptions regarding policy, uncertainty, technology, and behaviour.

• The overview relates to scenarios and models at different levels, ranging from farm and value chains, to entire regions. The project focuses on the European context

.Propose strategies to enhance the integration of policies and technology adoption in scenarios and models for transforming food and land use systems

• These strategies will be co-created with stakeholders and researchers, ensuring they account for different geographical, cultural, and risk contexts. Their implications are demonstrated using a selected number of scenarios and models.

Design alternative futures for food and land use systems

• This objective expands the scope of potential futures by exploring the implications of radical policies and innovations that are not considered in conventional future-oriented analyses. These alternative futures are critically examined and refined through high-level policy workshops.

You will work here
The research is embedded in the Business Economics group, where you will be supervised by Prof. Miranda Meuwissen, professor in risk management and resilience in agri & food systems, and Dr. Jaap Sok, associate professor specialized in the economic behaviour of farmers. Both have an explicit interest in food system transformations.

Requirements:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and results-driven candidate who meets the following criteria:

• A successfully completed MSc degree in:
  
  • Agricultural or business economics, with an interest in food and land use systems; or
  • Food system governance, with proven interest in economics and sustainability;
• Strong teamwork skills for transdisciplinary co-creation and collaboration;
• Proficiency in both oral and written English (C1 level or equivalent) ;
• Analytical skills with experience and interest in modelling;
• Regional knowledge (preferred): Affinity with European food and land use systems.

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;
• 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 € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,- 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

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