Postdoc position - Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems

We are looking for

As a post-doc you will contribute to the research initiative on Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems (SI-MFS).
This initiative is a collaboration between several CGIAR centres, Wageningen University and partners in several countries in the Global South, including Malawi, Ghana and Ethiopia. The SI-MFS initiative is organized in five work packages, including (WP1) Analysis of status, trends and future dynamics in mixed farming systems, (WP2) Methods and Tools, (WP3) Implementation of participatory co-design processes, (WP4) Scaling, (WP5) Capacity building.

The DEED research cycle of Describe, Explain, Explore and Design is being used as an overarching framework and organizing principle for the research in the different work packages.
In this post-doc position you are expected to play a leading role in setting up, running and monitoring the participatory process in one or two sites, and to support country teams in doing the same in other sites.

This will entail experimental on-farm work, combined with stakeholder consultations and workshops, data analysis, and potentially modelling work. The post-doc will supervise WUR MSc students who will be focusing on parts of the work. Secondly, the post-doc is expected to strongly contribute to the capacity development activities within WP5. This will include development of (online) course material, including videos, organization of webinars, and setting up a field course in one of the study regions.

We ask

• A PhD in the area of agronomy, or agricultural sciences
• Experience with farming systems analysis
• Experience with participatory approaches
• Experience and skills in capacity building and course development are an advantage
• Experience and skills in modelling are an advantage
• Excellent oral and written communication in English, and good communication skills

We offer

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

• sabbatical leave, 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.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.413,-  and € 3.839,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with

Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU)

(scale 10). Additionally, a contract for 0,8 FTE can be discussed. We offer a position for 12 months, which will be extended with another 24 months if you perform well, and funding from the CGIAR is continued.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. 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 Katrien Descheemaeker ([email protected] ) or 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 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 December 12 2022. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on 11-13 January 2023.

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!

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