Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoc Philosophy: ELSA (Ethical, Legal, and Social Aspects) of AgData project

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Philosophy: ELSA of AgData

Institution: Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Netherlands
Position type: Postdoctoral researcher, full-time (38 hours per week)

About the position

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Philosophy Group at Wageningen University & Research, working on the ethical, legal, and social aspects (ELSA) of agricultural data technologies. This position is part of the EU Partnership Agriculture of Data (AgData), a large-scale interdisciplinary programme focused on making European agriculture more sustainable and competitive through improved use of data.

The first exploratory phase of AgData runs from 2025 to 2027, building mechanisms, approaches, and networks that will underpin a longer second phase (subject to approval). Within the ELSA work package, you will conduct empirical research with participants in selected “use cases” – concrete, real-world examples of technologies and data-driven approaches in agriculture. You will help participants reflect on their own practices, apply ELSA concepts to their work, and identify common interests, challenges, and priorities. You will also contribute to developing ELSA research methods in collaboration with the ELSA AI4SFS Lab.

This postdoc offers an excellent opportunity to investigate philosophical questions raised by data-driven agricultural research, grounded in careful empirical work. Your findings will contribute to the growing fields of philosophy of agriculture and of data/AI.

Your responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the activities of the Philosophy Group
• Develop collaborations with colleagues in the group and across the AgData programme
• Present and publish high-quality research outputs
• Conduct empirical research on ELSA across selected use cases
• Participate in the ELSA work package with partners at Wageningen Research and the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN)

Your qualities

We are looking for a highly skilled postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in empirical research methods, a keen interest in philosophy and contemporary science/technology, and the ability to connect these fields in applied settings. You are proactive, flexible, and enjoy working in diverse, transdisciplinary teams involving scientists and policymakers. Excellent communication skills are essential. Most communication is in English, and you should be comfortable working at C1 level or equivalent.

We offer

• A competitive gross salary between €3,546 and €5,538 per month (scale 10 CAO-NU)
• Excellent pension scheme and other employee benefits under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities
• Initially a one-year contract, extendable upon good performance for the duration of the project
• An international, open working environment on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands
• Support for international employees, including visa application, housing, banking, and tax exemption advice

How to apply

Please submit your application through the WUR website, addressing each of the required qualities explicitly in your cover letter. The application deadline is 10 August 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 24 July 2026. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible after these dates. An assessment may be part of the selection procedure.

For questions about the position, please contact Rachel Ankeny (Chair and Professor, Philosophy Group). For procedural questions, contact Jouke van Oostenbrugge (Corporate Recruiter).

Original vacancy