Postdoc Researcher in Transitions to Nature-Inclusive Farming Systems at Wageningen University, Netherlands (2026)
The successful candidate will join the Animal Production Systems (APS) Group and work on developing innovative reward schemes that encourage farmers to adopt biodiversity-positive and nature-inclusive farming practices. Applications are open until 20 July 2026.
About the Position
Agricultural systems worldwide face increasing pressure to produce food while conserving biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and reducing environmental impacts. Livestock production, one of the largest land-use sectors globally, plays a critical role in this transition.
This postdoctoral position focuses on designing scientific and policy solutions that reward farmers for delivering ecosystem services and biodiversity benefits, helping accelerate the shift toward more sustainable farming systems.
The role combines:
Agricultural sustainability
Biodiversity conservation
Ecosystem services
Environmental policy
Agricultural economics
Social-ecological systems
Mixed-method research
Research Projects
The successful researcher will contribute to two major collaborative projects.
ECOPESIA (Horizon Europe)
Enhancing Climate and Ecosystem Outcomes through the Promotion and Upscaling of Payment for Environmental Services in Agriculture
This Horizon Europe project aims to improve climate and biodiversity outcomes by developing and scaling innovative payment schemes for ecosystem services in agriculture.
Research areas include:
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
Nature credits
Agri-environmental schemes
Biodiversity incentives
Climate-smart agriculture
DECISION (NWO-KIC)
Dairy and Ecology: Co-Innovating Business Operations for Nature
This Dutch research project focuses on developing innovative approaches that integrate dairy farming with ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation.
The project promotes collaborative solutions involving researchers, farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to create economically viable nature-inclusive farming systems.
Your Research Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to both projects through interdisciplinary research and policy development.
Develop Reward Frameworks
Design analytical frameworks for:
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
Nature credit systems
Result-based finance
Agri-environmental reward schemes
The aim is to encourage farmers to provide measurable biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Policy Analysis
Evaluate and compare relevant policy frameworks at:
Global level
European Union
Netherlands
Key policy areas include:
EU Biodiversity Strategy
EU Nature Restoration Regulation
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
The researcher will also develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
Integrate Research Agendas
Develop an integrated research agenda that aligns the objectives of the ECOPESIA and DECISION projects while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
Project Coordination
Support project management activities, including:
Research coordination
Deliverables
Stakeholder engagement
Consortium collaboration
Scientific Communication
Publish research findings in high-impact journals and contribute to:
Scientific reports
Policy briefs
Project deliverables
Teaching Responsibilities
In addition to research, the successful candidate will contribute to teaching within the Animal Production Systems Group.
Responsibilities include:
Supervising MSc students
Supervising BSc students
Delivering lectures
Supporting practical sessions
Courses may include:
Future Livestock Systems
Sustainability Assessment in Animal Sciences
Finance and Sustainability
Research Environment
The position is based in the Animal Production Systems (APS) Group, where researchers investigate the role of livestock in creating more sustainable food systems.
The group focuses on balancing:
Environmental sustainability
Animal welfare
Economic viability
Biodiversity conservation
The successful candidate will join the research team led by Dr. Raimon Ripoll-Bosch, whose work explores the relationships between livestock systems, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and agricultural economics.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
Essential Qualification
PhD in:
Farming Systems Analysis
Sustainability Transitions
Agricultural Economics
Environmental Economics
Environmental Science
Or a related discipline
Required Expertise
Candidates should have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Sustainability and social-ecological systems
Nature-inclusive agriculture
Biodiversity-positive farming
Agroecology
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
Nature credits
Reward scheme design
Ecosystem service valuation
Agricultural policy
Knowledge of additional related fields is considered an advantage.
Required Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Experience with mixed-method research
Quantitative and qualitative analysis
Systems thinking
Interdisciplinary research
Multi-scale assessments
Scientific publishing
Independent research capability
Experience with Horizon Europe or NWO-funded projects is considered an asset.
Excellent English communication skills are required, while Dutch language skills are desirable.
Salary and Benefits
Wageningen University offers an attractive employment package.
Salary
€3,546 – €5,538 gross per month
depending on qualifications and experience.
Additional Benefits
Researchers receive:
8.3% year-end bonus
Excellent pension scheme
Sabbatical leave
Study leave
Partially paid parental leave
Flexible working arrangements
Campus sports facilities
Professional development opportunities
Contract Details
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Working Hours: 32–38 hours per week
Contract Duration: Initial one-year contract with the possibility of extension for the full project duration (up to two years), depending on performance.
Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
Support for International Researchers
Wageningen University provides comprehensive support for international employees, including:
Visa and immigration assistance
Relocation support
Housing guidance
Welcome Centre services
Schooling information
Dual-career support
Eligible international employees may also qualify for the Dutch 30% tax ruling, providing a partial tax exemption during their first years in the Netherlands.
Why This Position Is Unique
This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of:
Sustainable agriculture
Biodiversity conservation
Ecosystem services
Agricultural economics
Environmental policy
Climate resilience
Nature-inclusive farming
By contributing to both Horizon Europe and NWO-funded projects, the successful researcher will directly influence future agricultural policies and reward mechanisms for biodiversity-friendly farming.
Application Process
Applicants should submit the following in English:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation Letter
Applications must be submitted through the official Wageningen University online recruitment portal.
Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 20 July 2026
Interview Period: First week of September 2026
Employment: 32–38 hours per week
Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
Official Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main goal of this postdoctoral project?
The project aims to develop innovative reward schemes and policy frameworks that encourage farmers to adopt nature-inclusive and biodiversity-positive farming systems.
2. Which research projects will I work on?
You will contribute to two major projects:
ECOPESIA (Horizon Europe)
DECISION (NWO-KIC)
3. What research topics are covered?
Topics include:
Payment for Ecosystem Services
Nature credits
Biodiversity conservation
Agricultural policy
Ecosystem services
Sustainable livestock systems
4. Is teaching part of the position?
Yes. You will supervise MSc and BSc students and contribute to lectures and practical courses within the Animal Production Systems Group.
5. What qualifications are required?
Applicants must hold a PhD in farming systems analysis, sustainability transitions, agricultural or environmental economics, or a related discipline.
6. Is experience with Horizon Europe projects necessary?
It is not mandatory, but previous experience with Horizon Europe or NWO-funded projects is considered an advantage.
7. What salary is offered?
The salary ranges from €3,546 to €5,538 gross per month, depending on experience and qualifications.
8. Can international researchers apply?
Yes. Wageningen University welcomes international applicants and offers extensive relocation and immigration support.
9. How long is the contract?
The initial appointment is for one year and may be extended to cover the full two-year project duration based on performance and project funding.
10. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 20 July 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Postdoc Researcher in Transitions to Nature-Inclusive Farming Systems at Wageningen University offers an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable agriculture through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. By combining biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, environmental policy, and agricultural economics within internationally funded projects, this position provides an excellent platform for researchers seeking to make a meaningful impact on food systems and environmental sustainability.
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