"Two PhD positions Functioning of intercropping systems (experimental & modelling)"

Job Description

Do you want to be part of the development of sustainable crop systems that are resource-use efficient, biodiversity-friendly and promote important ecosystem services? Would you like to address such goals via large-scale experiments or via simulation modelling?

Then we have 2 PhD positions available, within the Dutch-Danish project Robotic Intercropping, within the focus areas ‘Agro-ecological Potential’ (position #1) and ‘Ecological Interactions Among Plants’ (position #2). As a Wageningen University PhD student within this project, you will contribute to the expansion of our knowledge on the functioning and role of intercrops, at the level of the whole system as well as the level of individual plants. You will collaborate with other researchers in the project team and contribute to project goals with your PhD study.

In your application, please state very clearly, at the start of your letter, whether you apply for position #1 or position #2. Application letters that do not contain this information will not be considered.

Position #1 - experimental

In this PhD study, you will evaluate and help optimize a highly diverse intercropping system. You will assess which combination of service crops and their management by robots can reduce the need for agricultural inputs, enhance biodiversity and diversity-mediated ecosystem services, while maintaining crop yields comparable to intensive agricultural systems. You will analyse the relation between different combinations of service crops and their effect on ecosystem services. You will do this in part with a Danish counterpart by making use of large multi-year field experiments that will be running in both Wageningen and Copenhagen locations.

Position #2 - modelling

In this PhD study, you will work on improving our understanding of competition between cash and service crop plants in intercrop systems, and the underlying driving eco-physiological mechanisms. You will use 3D plant modelling (so-called functional-structural plant modelling) to address questions and generate hypotheses on the interactions between plants, soil, environment and management such as leaf pruning and root cutting. For this, you will consider both above- and belowground processes. For the modelling you will make use of data obtained in the experiments, and you will also play a minor role in acquiring that data.

You will work here

You will be located at Wageningen University within the centre for Crop Systems Analysis (CSA) at Wageningen University. PhD position #1 will be supervised by Dr Luuk Croijmans, Dr Dirk van Apeldoorn, and Prof Dr Niels Anten. PhD position #2 will be supervised by Dr Franca Bongers and Prof Dr Jochem Evers. Both positions with also be co-supervised by Prof Dr Svend Christensen from Copenhagen University; also the leader of the project. Regular meetings will be organised within the focus area, and at the level of the whole project. Frequent visits to Denmark are envisaged, especially for PhD position #1.

Requirements

For both PhD positions, we are looking for someone who:

• Values collaboration and wants to contribute to the project as whole.
• Can clearly communicate plans, results, and interpretation orally and in writing, both to an academic and non-academic audience.

Additionally, for Position #1 – experimental, you also possess:

• An MSc in agro-ecology, agronomy, soil biology, plant pathology or entomology with experience in field ecology or field experiments.
• A strong interest in the sustainability of agricultural systems, biodiversity and the underlying ecological traits.
• Ability to translate theoretical scientific questions into practical experiments and measurements, good hands-on problem-solving skills, and the capacity to acquire new skills like plant, disease and insect identification rapidly.
• Experience and interest in complex data analysis.

Additionally, for Position #2 – modelling, you also possess:

• An MSc degree in computational biology or applied mathematics with an interest in biological systems Or: An MSc degree in plant or crop science, plant ecophysiology, agroecology, or related field. In this case, experience or a strong affinity for computational methods, like modelling, is required.
• Experience in analysing complex (biological) datasets, coming from experiments or modelling, and interpreting this data in terms of its biological meaning and relevance.

For these positions your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Conditions of Employment

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 € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,- 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.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

Employer

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

Additional Information

For more information about the position, please contact Niels Anten, Professor of Crop and Weed Ecology (niels.anten@wur.nl) for Position 1 or Jochem Evers, professor of Crop Physiology (jochem.evers@wur.nl) for Position 2. Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via vacaturemeldingen.psg@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 for both documents):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• Motivation letter.

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 December 14, 2025. The first interviews will be scheduled for January 2026.

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.

Join us and come work at WUR

At Wageningen University & Research, you work at improving the quality of life. Together with your colleagues, you seek to answer the challenges within our domain 'healthy food and living environment.' Read more