PhD position 'Exploring grassland multifunctionality through modelling'

GrassConnect is a recently granted, interdisciplinary, and multi-actor European project with 31 partners in 14 countries. GrassConnect will address challenges derived from grassland intensification, by assessing multifunctionality strategies at field, farm and supply-chain level, and aid decision-making to increase the provision of ecosystem services from grasslands.

Within this project, we offer a PhD position 'Exploring grassland multifunctionality through modelling' to study the effects of management in grass-based farms in the Netherlands on biodiversity. This PhD position will focus on grass-based production systems in the Netherlands, whereas GrassConnect will offer the opportunity to engage with other partners covering different grassland systems, production systems and pedo-climatic conditions. Some farm data is available from past and ongoing projects.

After searching, selecting, and analyzing, the data will be used to assess the effects of management on biodiversity and ecosystem services applying modelling approaches from the Animal Production Systems group of Wageningen University & Research. The candidate will be based on the campus of Wageningen University & Research.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop a Research Proposal and a Training and Supervision Plan, to structure the 4-year PhD trajectory;
• Master the state of the art in ecosystem services delivery from grasslands under diverse management regimes;
• Investigate mechanistic relationships between grassland management, ecosystem services and livestock productivity (e.g. regression analysis, mechanistic modelling, meta-analysis);
• Assess environmental and socioeconomic performance of dairy farms under diverse scenarios using a bio-economic optimization model (Dairy LP);
• Disseminate the research results by writing papers and presenting your work at international conferences.

You will work here
This PhD will be situated at the Animal Production Systems group of Wageningen University & Research. Here we analyze and explore the roles of livestock in food systems with the aim of making these food systems more sustainable. The group focuses on unravelling the complexity of livestock systems and exploring trade-offs and synergies of innovations regarding environmental impact, animal welfare, and economic viability, to design a more sustainable future.

This PhD project is at the interface of biodiversity and modelling domains within the Animal Production Systems group. You will work under the supervision of Dr. Raimon Ripoll-Bosch and Dr. Aart van der Linden. Raimon Ripoll-Bosch focuses on understanding the complex interactions between livestock, nature (biodiversity and ecosystem services) and economy, to design enabling environments for the transitions to nature-inclusive agroecosystems. Aart van der Linden focuses on modelling farm systems with crops and livestock, including ruminant production on grasslands to improve resource use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.

Requirements

You have strong quantitative and analytical skills and excel in collaborating in large and multi-disciplinary teams. You are a good communicator to both fellow scientists and farmers, open to learn about different types of models, and passionate about grass-based agriculture.

You also have:

• Demonstrated acquaintance with dynamic, mechanistic models and/or optimization models;
• Experience with programming in R, GAMS or Python;
• A successfully completed MSc degree in a relevant field, such as Agronomy, Animal Sciences, Plant Science, Environmental Sciences or Integrative Agricultural Sciences
• Affinity with the systems approach and/or interdisciplinary research;
• Excellent writing skills.

For this position, the excellent command of English language (level C1) is a prerequisite. In some cases, internationally recognised certificate may be required.

Additional Information

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 year-end 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 € 3.204,- per month rising to € 4.051,- 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.

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.

Selection process

For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Aart van der Linden (aart.vanderlinden@wur.nl) and Dr. Raimon Ripoll-Bosch (raimon.ripollbosch@wur.nl)
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via noorien.abbas@wur.nl

Ready 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. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents (max. 3 pages in total):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page).

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply up to and including 19 October 2026. The first interviews will be scheduled soon after the closing date.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

Additional comments

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. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs 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.