Postdoc Position: Fostering agro-ecological transition in North Africa through multi-actor design, evaluation and networking

We are looking for

We search for a post-doc, who will contribute to the EU project NATAE (Fostering agro-ecological transition in North Africa through multi-actor design, evaluation and networking).

The objective of NATAE is to develop a methodology to foster agro-ecological (AE) transitions in North Africa, to increase the global sustainability of agriculture and the local resilience of territories, thus contributing to global food security and safety, together with environmental and sustainable development targets. Specific objectives are (SO1) to provide a comprehensive understanding of AE in North Africa; (SO2) to assess the multidimensional benefits of AE practices; (SO3) to broaden AE value chains and AE consumer base; (SO4) to set up a Mediterranean multi-actor network on AE; and (SO5) to empower key stakeholders in charge of policy elaboration and higher education. Living Labs are set up in a representative set of farming systems in North Africa, evaluated in a multi-dimensional, multi-scale evaluation framework, guided by an integrated modelling framework.

The post-doc is expected to have a leading role in setting up, running and monitoring the participatory research in 6 NATAE Living Labs. In this context, he/she will also design and organize a farm household survey, which aims to characterize the current level of AEP adoption, and representative farm types. In addition, he/she will contribute to the integrated modelling chain to identify and asses optimal combinations of AEP in different farming systems and scenarios.

We ask

We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications:

• A PhD in the area of plant sciences or agronomy
• Experience with crop production
• Well-developed modelling skills
• Experience with participatory approaches
• Excellent oral and written communication in English and in French, and good communication skills

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our  Collective Labour Agreement include:

• study leave and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

This is a 48 month post-doc position at 0.5 fte. We offer you a temporary contract for 12 months which will be extended with 36 months if you perform well. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €3.974,- and €5.439,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the

Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU)

(scale 11).

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “ Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief , known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Gerrie van de Ven ([email protected] ).

For more information about the procedure, please contact [email protected] .

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly by uploading your CV and motivation letter, using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including September 21, 2022.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page . A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment .

We are

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

The successful applicant will be based at the Plant Production Systems Group (PPS). The candidate will work closely with a PhD student, two senior researchers, and partners in the NATAE project.

The mission of PPS is to integrate biological knowledge to analyse and design sustainable production systems for crops (including integration with livestock), focused on resource use efficiency and equitable management of natural resources. WU is internationally renowned for its research and education in the fields of life sciences, plant improvement and sustainability. Through these activities it aims to make essential contributions to the quality of life.

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