Post-doctoral Researcher (ReGeNL line 3): Monitoring outcomes of regenerative agriculture

Your job

Are you interested in the science-based transition of Dutch agriculture towards a regenerative system? A system in which a diversity of ecosystem services are valued rather than only the product yield? Do you have experience in leading a scientific team that interacts on a daily basis with many other societal stakeholders? Then come and join the Soil Biology group!

We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher that will lead the monitoring of 1000 farms across the Netherlands over the next 4.5 years, as part of the National Growth Fund programme ReGeNL
This is a 4.5 year position to manage and coordinate the implementation of a monitoring scheme to support farmers in their transition towards regenerative outcomes. This position contributes to the scientific-focused line 3 of ReGeNL which spans three work packages: 3A) measuring and monitoring of regenerative agriculture (biophysical, social, economic); 3B) the application of the resulting data in the development of predictive models at various scales; 3C) providing the scientific underpinning for foodsystem mechanisms that effectively value these outcomes.

The post-doctoral position will work alongside the Line 3 coordinator to implement the monitoring programme (3A) in ReGeNL. This work is split into two interlinked workstreams:

1) scientific coordination of line 3A (monitoring of pioneer farms – led by the Line 3 coordinator);
2) scientific coordination of line 3A (monitoring of 1000 transitioning farms across the Netherlands – led by the post-doc).

The post-doc will also contribute as a member of the Program Management Team of ReGeNL (overseeing the embedding of line 3 within the larger program (science in support of transition) and interacting with farmers, advisors and industry partners to support in successfully achieving the ReGeNL objectives and deliverables.

We therefore seek to strengthen our team with the appointment of a post-doctoral researcher who has experience with monitoring within the agricultural domain, working with farmers and societal stakeholders. Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate in Dutch are critical for this role. As you will significantly contribute to the project leadership of line 3, we ask applicants to also show examples of their experience in managing a team. The post-doctoral position will also work with 2-3 PhDs in implementing the large-scale monitoring programme.

The portfolio for this position will be split into two key areas;

1. Scientific coordination of a measuring and monitoring program assessing the outcomes of regenerative agriculture in the Netherlands.
2. Member of the ReGeNL program management team (PMT)

A healthy, living soil is the starting point for delivering and regenerating ecosystem services, strengthening the ecological, social and economic dimensions of food production. The Soil Biology group integrates knowledge on soil biota across a range of scales from the microbe to the globe. Our mission is “To explore the potential of life to increase the quality of soil”.

Your qualities

You are/have

• a PhD with an agricultural or soil monitoring related background;
• a proven record in managing complex scientific programs;
• a proven record in interacting with a diversity of societal stakeholders;
• a working knowledge on data management and statistical analyses for large scale assessments;
• excellent spoken communication and writing skills in both Dutch and English.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their experience with concrete examples from their work in and outside academia. This position requires Dutch language skills, applications where this is not the case will not be considered.

You will work here
The Soil Biology group integrates knowledge on soil biota across a range of scales from the microbe to the globe. Our mission is “To explore the potential of life to increase the quality of soil”.
Soils are among humankind’s most precious natural resources, but their sustainable use is under serious threat. Our aim is to advance and share knowledge on how soil life can improve the quality and functioning of soils in agroecosystems around the world, and how land management may impact soil life. Our ambition is to cover research across a range of scales and levels of detail to ensure dissemination of fundamental insights: starting with interactions at small-scale hotspots in the soil (in particular the rhizosphere and detritusphere), through management-oriented research at the plot and field scale, towards policy-relevant research at the farm, landscape and regional scale.

We offer you

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;
• 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 € 3.378,- and € 5.331,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10).

We offer you an initial contract of 1 FTE for 4 years, with the possibility to extend this position, where appropriate, allowing for a total potential duration of up to 6.5 years. Extension will be based on project needs, performance, and available funding. Additionally, a contract for 0.8 FTE can be discussed.

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 19th 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.

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.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Asma Balfaqih, asma.balfaqih@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, corporate recruiter, noorien.abbas@wur.nl .

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 17 February 2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on 4 March 2025. The intended starting date of this position is 1 May 2025.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

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.