"Economic Researcher"

Do you have experience conducting economic research on the Dutch or European agricultural sector? Would you like to contribute to sustainable and future-proof agriculture and agrifood chains through independent research? Then we are looking for you!

As an economic researcher, you will engage in applied research within dynamic, interdisciplinary project teams. Together with your team, you will examine the economic impact of various policy measures on agricultural businesses, supply chains, or broader economic systems. There are opportunities across multiple teams, so we can explore together which projects best align with your interests. Do you enjoy calculating the effects of policy measures on businesses? Are you keen to delve into the sustainability of agricultural value chains? Or would you prefer to develop our macroeconomic models? All of this is possible.

The focus is on projects for industry, as well as the Dutch and European governments. You may also participate in larger European research consortia. You will present your findings to clients and publish your results in (applied) scientific journals. Additionally, you will contribute to or lead acquisition processes. Within our teams, there are excellent opportunities to grow into a senior researcher or project leader role.

Examples of our work in agricultural economic research can be found here.

Your Team: Depending on your interests and the best fit, you will join one of the eleven expertise groups within Wageningen Social & Economic Research. Each group consists of 25–35 enthusiastic researchers from various countries and academic disciplines. You will work within changing project teams and often collaborate with other departments of Wageningen University & Research or external knowledge partners.

Requirements: You are a strong researcher with a PhD or MSc in economics, business administration, or an agronomic discipline with an economic focus, extensive experience with quantitative methods, and experience with or interest in applied scientific research. You are an effective collaborator with experience in project-based work, independent planning, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines. You are a team player with excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English, and you possess knowledge of Dutch and/or European agriculture. Additionally, you have experience with or interest in topics such as agricultural business economics, livestock farming and animal health, effects of European policy on Dutch agriculture, international trade and macroeconomic issues, sustainability of agrifood chains, and new, sustainable business models for agricultural enterprises and value chain partners. In our international working environment, English at C1 level is required.

Conditions of employment: Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms including flexible working hours, sabbatical leave, study leave, partially paid parental leave, focus on vitality, sports facilities, a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%, and an excellent pension scheme. The salary is between €3,399 and €6,228 per month for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10-11). A part-time contract can be discussed, and we initially offer a one-year contract that may be extended based on performance.