PhD Position Area-based processes in Dutch rural regions

Your job

Would you like to know more about area-based processes and conduct thorough research on this together with social partners within a PhD trajectory? Then we are looking for you!

In recent years, area-based processes have been seen as a promising means of tackling problems in rural areas. Think of nitrogen, biodiversity crisis or achieving climate goals. As a result, a series of projects and processes have been started in the Netherlands, with more or less good results. The question arises as to what the critical success and failure factors in area processes are.

The role of trust, or the lack thereof, is seen as essential in many area processes. We therefore ask ourselves the question: What is the role of trust in the success or failure of area-based processes in rural areas? The aim of this project is to gain more overview and insight into this and to provide tools for initiators and participants of area processes. This project is a collaboration between Wageningen University, Stichting Stimuland and the Province of Overijssel.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• developing a typology of existing area-based processes in the Dutch countryside.
• to make an overview of critical success and failure factors in area-based processes.
• provide insight into the role of trust in area-based processes and underlying factors.
• to provide tools for initiators and participants of area-based processes to steer on trust.

The above intended results will be developed in close consultation with collaborating research partners. This makes it possible to respond to the questions that arise and to make insights and research results easily applicable.

You will work here
For this project, you will work four days a week at Wageningen University and one day a week at Stichting Stimuland in Klarenbeek. The research is led by the Land Use Planning chair group (Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning cluster), at Wageningen University. They focus on research into the design and quality of life of, mainly, rural areas. Stimuland is an independent foundation that is committed to a vital, liveable and future-proof countryside. They do this by providing advice and support to residents, agricultural entrepreneurs and governments. Together they have broad expertise in rural areas and area processes, organising and researching them.

You will be supervised by Marlies Meijer and Jasper de Vries (WUR), Lotte Kist and Ingrid Jansen (Stimuland).

Your qualities

You are / You have:

• knowledge of and affinity with contemporary socio-spatial issues (sustainability, quality of life, future agriculture) in the Dutch rural area.
• knowledge of the Dutch landscape, including the spatial, physical and social processes.
• good communication skills: you will conduct research with and on a wide range of actors involved in area processes and you will translate the research results (together with the partners involved) into concrete tools.
• good analytical skills: you can think critically about the creation of research results and interpret different types of data.
• an affinity with transdisciplinary work.

You also possess:

• a successfully completed Master's degree in Spatial Planning, Rural Sociology, Geography or a similar study;
• experience with participatory and qualitative research methods;
• ability to work well together, take initiative, work independently and systematically;
• good command of the Dutch and English language.

For this position your command Dutch is on a B1 level and of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

We offer you

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 € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,-  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.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

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.

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. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, 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.

Do you want more information?

For more information about the position, please contact Prof Jasper de Vries, via jasper.devries@wur.nl

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via noorien.abbas@wur.nl

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until  5 May 2025. The first interviews are scheduled in the second week of May 2025. The intended starting date of the position is in September 2025.

Additional information form
For this position, you must fill in a mandatory form which will allow us to have a comprehensive view of your qualifications and better assess your fit for it. You can access the form using the link below:
https://forms.office.com/e/rpvdWKkM83
Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.

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

We are

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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 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 the video below 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.