PhD position 'The Economics, Sustainability and Resilience of Novel and High-tech food-supply chains'

Within the Business Economics group of Wageningen University (www. bec.wur.nl) a PhD position has become available, linking the economics, sustainability and resilience of crop production and food-supply chains with insights on novel food production systems. The broader framework of the position is within the 4TU project Redesign, which aims to develop a high-tech and data-driven agri-food system of the future. The PhD position will be jointly supervised together with the Operations Research and Logistic Group of Wageningen University.

The main focus of the research will be on the empirical analysis of (1) the sustainability and resilience of novel food-supply chains, and (2) the decision-making of food-value chain actors, i.e., how the design of the novel supply chain organization and the interactions of actors within, affect the implementation, sustainability and resilience of these food -supply chains. The PhD project has a quantitative-analytical nature. Various techniques will be applied, such as qualitative and quantitative analysis of data, the analysis of decision-making and behavior using surveys and workshops, as well as the design of a sustainable supply-chain game. The aim is to supply relevant information for the design of novel, sustainable and resilient food- supply chains. Hence, translation of research findings to other disciplines and working together with food-supply chain stakeholders also is an important aspect of the work. Activities include:

An openness for other disciplines is important and collaborations with researchers and research groups within the 4TU Redesign project will be facilitated. Relevant courses to overcome possible knowledge/skill gaps will be provided.

,

The successful candidate is expected to have (or will obtain within due course) an MSc in either (1) economics (e.g. agricultural economics, quantitative economics, general economics, operations research, econometrics), or (2) food supply-chains with a proven interest in economics. The candidate should have a solid foundation in quantitative analysis (modelling and/or econometrics), knowledge on decision-making of farmers or supply-chain actors is further a strong asset. Knowledge of Dutch language is not essential, but can be a plus.

Analytical and communication skills, both verbal and in writing, are a basic requirement. To apply you further have to meet the minimum requirements of the Wageningen University PhD programs.

,

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

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 € 2.541,- per month rising to € 3.247,- 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 18th 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. 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. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling. For instance under the "30% rule", certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.

,

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, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 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 this video 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.

,

Do you want more information? For more information about this position, please contact Niklas Möhring ([email protected]) or Miranda Meuwissen ([email protected]) Business Economics group- WUR.

For more information about the procedure, please contact: Jeanine van 't Veer, Corporate Recruiter, [email protected]

Do you want to apply? You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. To apply you have to upload a cover letter (max 2 page A4) outlining both your motivation and your suitability for the project, and your CV (max 4 pages A4) including names and contact details of two potential references.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including May 1st, 2023. We hope to schedule the first interviews for May 11th, 2023; if you are not available in that period, please indicate this in your application letter. Preferred starting date of the position is September 2023.

Equal opportunities Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.