PhD in Optimization of Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains under Climate Risk

About the Role

Are you passionate about optimization and data science? Do you want to tackle one of the most pressing challenges for agriculture: keeping supply chains resilient under growing climate uncertainty? This PhD position at Wageningen University & Research offers the chance to work at the intersection of climate change, food systems, and advanced operations research.

You will develop novel optimization models to redesign agri-food supply chains so they can withstand extreme weather events (droughts, floods, heatwaves) and shifting agroecological conditions. Building on state-of-the-art robust and responsive supply chain models, you will investigate how climate-related disruptions affect decisions on facility location, storage, processing capacity, procurement, and inventory management. The methodological core of the project includes stochastic and robust optimization, uncertainty modelling, large-scale supply chain design, and advanced algorithms for complex optimization problems. Real-world case studies will be used to design future-proof supply chain networks for key agricultural products in vulnerable regions.

The position is embedded in the Horizon Europe project TIPPING, a large‑scale initiative that brings together 16 partners across 10 EU countries. TIPPING develops next‑generation climate intelligence tools for agriculture by combining AI‑driven climate modelling, agroecological transition analysis, socio‑economic assessment, and decision‑support systems. The project directly supports the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, helping farmers, businesses, and policymakers anticipate and respond to shifting conditions.

Host Group and Supervision

You will work in the chair of Operations Research and Logistics, led by Prof. Sander De Leeuw. Daily supervision will be provided by Dr. Peter Kirst, Dr. Meike Reusken, and Dr. Argyris Kanellopoulos.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced quantitative models for the design and optimization of climate‑resilient agri‑food supply chains
• Write scientific articles for peer‑reviewed journals
• Participate in international project meetings and collaborate with a multi‑disciplinary consortium
• Contribute to project activities, deliverables, and reporting

Requirements

• Strong interest in operations research, optimization, and data science
• Motivation to work on climate adaptation, resilience, and sustainable food systems
• Mathematical modelling and programming skills for solving large‑scale optimization problems
• Excellent command of English (C1 level); an internationally recognised English proficiency certificate may be required
• Availability to start the position by November 2026
• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., operations research, industrial engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline)

What We Offer

• A fully funded PhD position with a gross salary starting at €3,059 per month in the first year and rising to €3,881 per month in the fourth year (scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, CAO‑NU), based on 38 hours per week
• A temporary contract for 18 months, with extension for the duration of the project upon good performance
• Excellent benefits including a pension scheme, tailored course program, and support for personal development
• An international, open working environment on Wageningen Campus – the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands
• Comprehensive assistance for international employees: visa application support, help with housing, bank accounts, dual career programs, and schooling; certain international staff may also qualify for a partial salary tax exemption during the first five years in the Netherlands

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the Wageningen University & Research online application system. Only complete applications uploaded through the official vacancy page will be considered. Please prepare the following documents (maximum 3 pages in total):

• A motivation letter (max. 3 pages, combined with the additional information form – see below)
• A mandatory additional information form (accessible on the application page) that provides a comprehensive overview of your qualifications

Do not include grades, transcripts, or any other supplementary files at this stage – they will not be reviewed. The application deadline is 18 August 2026.

For questions about the position, please contact Argyris Kanellopoulos (Associate Professor) at [email protected]. For procedural questions, contact Jouke van Oostenbrugge (Corporate Recruiter) at [email protected].

Wageningen University & Research values diversity and inclusion and strives to create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Original vacancy