PhD Impact of reward schemes for biodiversity in Dutch dairy farming systems

29 Aug 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Wageningen University & Research

Research Field

Agricultural sciences » Zootechnics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline

28 Sep 2026 - 21:59 (UTC)

Country

Netherlands

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

38.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Well-designed reward schemes are a crucial step in improving farm-level biodiversity. Do you want to contribute to this, and are you interested in dairy farming systems in the Netherlands? We then have an interesting PhD position for you.
Which reward schemes for biodiversity already exist? Can dairy farmers negotiate about them? Which types of schemes are preferred by dairy farmers, and how do such schemes influence adoption of biodiversity measures at farms? What is the impact on farm income? What are the risks associated with implementing biodiversity measures? Answers to these questions contribute to the design of reward schemes that connect better to the practices of farmers, agribusiness, and financial institutions, and eventually improve biodiversity.
The PhD position is part of the DECISION project (Dairy and Ecology: co-innovating business operations for nature), primarily funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The project embraces four fully-funded PhD candidates and a postdoc. It is a transdisciplinary project in which also private companies and other stakeholders actively participate. The focal region is the Alblasserwaard.
Your duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop a research proposal and a Training and Supervision Plan, to structure the 4-year PhD trajectory.
• Perform the PhD research along four objectives:
  
  • Analyse reward schemes for biodiversity – considering multiple actors (farms, agribusiness) and types (commercial vs subsidised, local vs national, etc.).
  • Evaluate which types of reward schemes are preferred by dairy farmers.
  • Assess the impact of reward schemes on farm-level implementation of biodiversity measures, and farm income.
  • Analyse risks associated with the implementation of biodiversity measures.
• Disseminate results by publishing papers in scientific journals, presenting in international conferences, and creating content items dedicated to stakeholders.
• Work as a team player, contributing to the activities and wider aims of the DECISION project.

You will work here
You will be supervised by Prof. dr. Miranda Meuwissen and dr. Max Koppenberg from the Business Economics (BEC) group ; and Dr Raimon Ripoll-Bosch from the Animal Production Systems (APS) group of Wageningen University & Research. The work of Prof. dr Miranda Meuwissen focuses on farm economics, risk management and sustainable finance in food and agribusiness. The work of Dr Raimon Ripoll-Bosch focuses on understanding the complex interactions between livestock, nature (biodiversity and ecosystem services) and economy, to design enabling environments for the transitions to nature-inclusive agroecosystems. Dr. Max Koppenberg works on firm performance and supply chain incentives. The involvement of both BEC and APS illustrates the multidisciplinary nature of the PhD-position.

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/363545/phd-impact-of-reward-schemes-fo…

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are seeking an enthusiastic and results-driven candidate who meets the following criteria:

• A successfully completed MSc degree in:
  
  • Agricultural economics, food and agribusiness, or sustainable finance, with interest in farming systems.
  • Animal or crop production systems, with proven interest in farm economics.
• Experience with quantitative methods, such as farm accounting, modelling, or statistical analyses.
• Experience with primary data collection, such as interviews and surveys.
• Excellent writing and presenting skills, for both academic and non-academic environments. For this position, the excellent command of English language (level C1) is a prerequisite. In some cases, an internationally recognised certificate may be required.

Additional Information
Benefits

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

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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 year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3,204,- per month rising to € 4,051,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.

Selection process

For more information about the position, please contact Prof. dr Miranda Meuwissen ([email protected] ) or Dr Raimon Ripoll-Bosch ([email protected] ).
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via [email protected] .
Ready 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. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
To apply, please send the following documents:

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page).
• Transcripts of records.

You can apply up to and including 28 September 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 13 October 2026.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

Additional comments

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.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands 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 coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/363545/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Wageningen University & Research

Country

Netherlands

City

Wageningen

Postal Code

6706KN

Street

Hollandseweg 1

Contact

City

Wageningen

Website

http://www.wageningenur.nl

Street

Droevendaalsesteeg

Postal Code

6708 PB

STATUS: EXPIRED

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