Job for Researchers: PhD in Biodiversity Monitoring for Nature-Inclusive Agrifood — Wageningen University, Netherlands

About the PhD Position

Wageningen University & Research invites applications for a PhD position in biodiversity monitoring as part of the NWO-KIC project RISE – Resilient Integrated Systems for Ecosystem restoration. This fully funded position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the transition toward nature-inclusive agriculture and horticulture by studying biodiversity, ecosystem services, and biological pest control.

The successful candidate will co-develop an interactive spatial decision-support framework for agrifood transitions, working within an interdisciplinary team of four PhD candidates. Close collaboration with farmers, growers, and societal stakeholders is essential, as the project addresses the complexity of farming systems embedded in value chains, regulatory environments, ecological landscapes, and business models that often prioritise short-term productivity. RISE develops systems-based tools and implementation pathways that support ecologically meaningful, economically viable, and socially accepted nature-inclusive decisions.

Research Environment

This PhD is hosted by the Laboratory of Entomology and the Greenhouse Unit in Bleiswijk, part of the Plant Sciences Group. You will be supervised by Prof. Gerben Messelink (promotor) and embedded within the PE&RC graduate school for training. Cross-university supervision includes Prof. Bige Tunçer and Dr. Ershad Sarabi Shahryar (TU/e) and Prof. Peter van Bodegom (Leiden University). The project works in two regional case areas: Oostland Zuid-Holland (greenhouse horticulture) and Reusel-Zuid (open-field agriculture), with a third tree-nursing region for validation. RISE is a collaboration between Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Leiden University, and Inholland University of Applied Sciences, alongside a broad network of societal partners.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative methods for biodiversity and ecosystem service monitoring.
• Conduct field and greenhouse studies to validate ecosystem services and key performance indicators.
• Investigate how functional diversity can enhance biological pest control.
• Contribute to collaborative scenario development and implementation roadmaps for nature-inclusive agrifood systems.
• Publish high-quality academic papers (sometimes co-authored with other RISE PhDs) on topics such as functional ecology, biological pest control, and collaborative innovation.

Requirements

• An enthusiastic, highly motivated, and analytically strong candidate eager to contribute to both research and practical impact.
• Comfortable working interdisciplinarily—at the boundary between theory and practice—and engaging with farmers, regional stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers from other disciplines.
• Fluency in English (C1 level) and preferably Dutch to conduct research and interact with local stakeholders.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., ecology, biology, environmental science) by the start date.

What We Offer

• A fully funded PhD position with a gross salary starting at €3,059 per month in the first year, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year (scale P, CAO-NU, 38 hours per week).
• A temporary contract for 18 months, extended for the full project duration upon good performance.
• Excellent employee benefits including an outstanding pension scheme.
• A tailored course program and training through the PE&RC graduate school.
• Work at the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, with an international and open working environment.
• Support for international staff: visa application assistance, welcome center for housing and dual career advice, and potentially a partial tax exemption for the first five years.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your application via the official WUR website using the designated apply button. Only applications submitted through the website will be considered. Your application must include a motivation letter (max. 1 page) and other documents totaling no more than 3 pages. Additional files such as grade transcripts are not required at this stage. The deadline for applications is 31 July 2026. Interviews will be scheduled shortly after the closing date.

Wageningen University & Research is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a safe, valued work environment. For questions about the position, contact Prof. Gerben Messelink. For procedural questions, contact Corporate Recruiter Noorien Abbas.

Original vacancy