Wageningen University & Research invites applications for two PhD Positions Functioning of Intercropping Systems. Apply soon to be part of an innovative and international research project.
To be eligible, applicants must have a master’s degree in an appropriate field, along with a genuine interest in ecological interactions and sustainable agriculture. Strong analytical skills, teamwork abilities, and proficiency in English are essential requirements.
-
Award
-
Application Process
-
Clarity of Information
User Review
( votes)Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is a world-leading institution dedicated to life sciences, sustainability, and agricultural innovation. Located in the Netherlands, WUR combines cutting-edge academic research with applied scientific expertise to address global challenges in food, environment, and society.
Application Deadline: 14 December 2025
Brief Description
- University or Organization: Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
- Department: Centre for Crop Systems Analysis (CSA)
- Course Level: PhD (Doctoral research positions)
- Award: Fully funded PhD position (salary in accordance with CAO-NU scale P)
- Access Mode: Online application
- Number of Awards: 2 PhD positions (Position #1 – Experimental; Position #2 – Modelling)
- Nationality: International and domestic applicants are eligible
- The award can be taken in: the Netherlands (Wageningen University) with travel to Denmark
Eligibility
- Eligible Countries: Applicants from all countries are welcome.
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded for PhD research related to intercropping systems within the Centre for Crop Systems Analysis.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
General Requirements (for both positions):
-
Strong interest in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and ecological interactions.
-
Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team.
-
Excellent communication skills (oral and written) for academic and non-academic audiences.
-
English language proficiency at C1 level.
Additional Criteria for Position #1 – Experimental:
-
MSc in agro-ecology, agronomy, soil biology, plant pathology, entomology, or related field.
-
Experience with field ecology or field experiments.
-
Ability to translate scientific concepts into practical experiments; strong problem-solving skills.
-
Interest in biodiversity, ecological traits, and sustainability.
-
Experience with complex data analysis.
Additional Criteria for Position #2 – Modelling:
-
MSc in computational biology, applied mathematics, plant sciences, plant ecophysiology, agroecology, or related fields.
-
Strong affinity for computational methods, especially modelling.
-
Experience in analyzing complex biological datasets and interpreting ecological significance.
-
Interest in 3D functional-structural plant modelling.
How to Apply
-
Applications must be submitted online through the official Wageningen University vacancy page.
-
Required documents (maximum 3 pages total, including both documents):
-
Complete and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae
-
Motivation Letter
-
-
Clearly state at the beginning of your motivation letter whether you are applying for Position #1 or Position #2.
-
Applications exceeding the page limit or missing the position specification will not be considered.
-
First interviews: January 2026
Benefits
-
Fully funded PhD employment contract (18 months initially, extended upon good performance).
-
Gross monthly salary: €3,059 (1st year) rising to €3,881 (4th year).
-
Excellent employee benefits under the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement (CAO-NU), including:
-
Partially paid parental leave
-
Flexible working hours and strong work-life balance
-
Access to campus sports facilities at low cost
-
8.3% fixed year-end bonus
-
Excellent pension scheme
-
-
Tailored PhD training program and professional development opportunities.
-
Support with visa procedures, housing, partner employment, and integration for international applicants.
-
Potential tax exemptions for eligible international staff.
-
Work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, consistently ranked the country’s top university.
