"Senior Researcher/Project Leader Socio-economic impact of sustainable agriculture (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) (V25.0470)"

Job description

Do you want to play an active role in shaping a sustainable future for the agricultural sector? Are you looking for a challenging position where you can utilize your research and project management skills while simultaneously achieving social impact? Then this is your chance to be part of the national regenerative agriculture transition program (REGENL) at the University of Groningen's Campus Fryslân Faculty.

In this role, you'll work at the intersection of research and practice. You'll focus on the socio-economic impact of regenerative agriculture and be responsible for both the acquisition and implementation of research projects. You'll translate knowledge into concrete new earning potential for farmers and other stakeholders in the supply chain. You'll represent the Center for Sustainable Agricultural Transition in regional and national networks.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Inventory and analysis of opportunities for socio-economic impact in co-creation with partners.
• Implementing new business methods and revenue models in collaboration with farmers and chain partners.
• Coordinating researchers, chain partners and agricultural supervisors.
• Publishing results in white papers, textbooks, conferences and scientific journals.
• Report regularly to the management team.
• Actively maintain collaborations within the university and beyond.

Formal teaching duties are in principle not part of the position.

Why would you want to take on this role?

• Making an impact: You contribute directly to the agricultural transition and are a sparring partner for farmers and chain partners.
• Personal development: You will further develop your leadership qualities and be given the opportunity to initiate new research proposals and (inter)national projects.
• Dynamic work environment: You'll work in a multidisciplinary team of approximately 15 colleagues, with plenty of room for creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-management.

Within REGENL, nearly all parties in the Dutch agricultural sector collaborate on the transition of 1,000 farmers in five regions. You'll gain access to this network and work on one of the key challenges: developing new revenue models.

The University of Groningen is among the top European universities, internationally oriented, and socially engaged. The Campus Fryslân faculty houses the Center for Sustainable Agricultural Transition, a core partner in the national REGENL program. Here, researchers and partners collaborate on innovative and sustainable agricultural systems .

Job requirements

• Relevant study in agriculture, economics, social or environmental sciences.
• At least four years of work experience within knowledge institutions, agriculture or administrative organizations.
• Demonstrable experience in project leadership and developing research proposals.
• Strong coordinating, organizational and commercial skills.
• Senior research skills: able to produce applicable and scientific products.
• Excellent command of Dutch and English, spoken and written.

Organization

Working conditions

In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer:

• A salary between €4,728 and €6,433 gross per month (scale 11), depending on experience.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Attractive secondary employment conditions.
• A temporary employment contract of 1.0 FTE for four years (one year with the option of extension after a positive performance and development interview).

Start date: as soon as possible

Application

You can apply by sending your application letter and curriculum vitae before October 8, 2025 exclusively using the application form.

The first conversations will take place on October 14, 2025 in Leeuwarden.

Any follow-up discussions will follow on October 16.

The University of Groningen strives to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. We view working towards our core values ​​of inclusivity and equality as a shared responsibility, and we work constructively to create a socially safe environment. The diversity of students and staff enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our education and research. Therefore, we particularly encourage applicants from socially underrepresented groups to apply. For more information, see our page on our diversity policy: https://www.rug.nl/(...)rsity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code: https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and the Code of Conduct for the recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code of the European Commission.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Information

For information, please contact:

• Ingrid van Huizen, program manager CDLT, ibvan.huizen@rug.nl

Please do not use the above email address(es) to respond to vacancies.