Fully Funded PhD in Optimization of Sustainable Agri-Food Supply Chains under Climate Risk at Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands (2026)
This exciting doctoral project combines climate science, advanced optimization modelling, operations research, and food systems to develop innovative solutions for climate-resilient agricultural supply chains across Europe.
About the PhD Project
Climate change is increasingly disrupting agricultural production through heatwaves, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events. Agricultural supply chains must become more resilient to continue ensuring food security.
This PhD project focuses on designing future-proof agricultural supply chains capable of adapting to increasing climate uncertainty.
Hosted by the Operations Research and Logistics Group at Wageningen University & Research, the research will develop advanced optimization models that evaluate how climate risks influence decisions related to:
Facility location
Storage systems
Processing capacity
Procurement strategies
Inventory management
Supply chain resilience
The project forms part of the prestigious Horizon Europe TIPPING Project, involving 16 partners across 10 European countries, aiming to develop next-generation climate intelligence tools for agriculture.
Research Areas
The successful PhD candidate will work on:
Climate-resilient agri-food supply chain optimization
Stochastic optimization
Robust optimization
Mathematical programming
Uncertainty modelling
Large-scale optimization algorithms
Climate adaptation strategies
Sustainable agricultural systems
Decision-support systems
Data-driven modelling
Real-world agricultural case studies will be used to design resilient food supply networks for vulnerable regions.
Responsibilities
The selected candidate will:
Develop advanced quantitative optimization models.
Design innovative operations research methodologies.
Conduct mathematical modelling of agricultural supply chains.
Publish research articles in international journals.
Present research at international conferences and project meetings.
Contribute to Horizon Europe project deliverables.
Collaborate with international researchers across Europe.
About the TIPPING Horizon Europe Project
This PhD is embedded within the Horizon Europe TIPPING Project, a large international initiative focused on climate adaptation in agriculture.
The project combines:
Artificial Intelligence
Climate modelling
Agroecological transition
Socio-economic assessment
Decision-support systems
Its goal is to help:
Farmers
Agricultural businesses
Policymakers
anticipate climate risks and improve resilience across European agriculture.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess:
MSc degree in:
Operations Research
Applied Mathematics
Computer Science
Data Science
Bio-systems Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Related quantitative disciplines
Applicants should also demonstrate:
Strong interest in optimization and mathematical modelling
Experience with stochastic or robust optimization
Knowledge of mathematical programming
Excellent analytical skills
Interest in climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Strong English communication skills (C1 level)
Preferred Skills
The university particularly welcomes applicants with experience in:
Python
R
MATLAB
Optimization software
Data analytics
Computational modelling
Agricultural systems
Environmental modelling
Northwest European agricultural systems
Salary and Benefits
This fully funded PhD position offers an excellent employment package under the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement (CAO-NU).
Benefits include:
Fully funded 4-year PhD
Starting salary: €3,059/month
Final-year salary: €3,881/month
38-hour work week
8.3% year-end bonus
Excellent pension scheme
Flexible working arrangements
Paid parental leave
Sports facilities on campus
Tailored PhD training programme
International research environment
Support for International Students
Wageningen University provides extensive relocation assistance, including:
Visa and immigration support
Family relocation services
Welcome Center assistance
Housing guidance
Dutch banking assistance
Schooling support
Dual-career services
Possible tax benefits for eligible international staff
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation Letter
Important:
The combined length of the CV and motivation letter must not exceed three pages.
Applicants must also complete the mandatory online qualification form linked on the vacancy page.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 17 August 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Why Choose Wageningen University & Research?
Wageningen University & Research is consistently ranked among the world's top institutions in agriculture, food science, and environmental research.
Highlights include:
One of the world's leading life sciences universities
Green and sustainable campus
Over 7,600 employees
More than 13,000 students
International community from over 100 countries
Strong collaboration with industry and European research partners
Excellent career development opportunities
Position Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Candidate |
| University | Wageningen University & Research |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Research Area | Optimization, Climate Change, Supply Chains |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Salary | €3,059–€3,881/month |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Start Date | November 2026 |
| Deadline | 17 August 2026 |
Official Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a fully funded PhD position?
Yes. The position includes a full salary, employee benefits, pension contributions, and a structured PhD training programme.
Who can apply?
Applicants with a relevant Master's degree in operations research, mathematics, engineering, computer science, data science, or related quantitative disciplines are eligible.
Is prior research experience required?
While prior research experience in optimization or mathematical modelling is advantageous, motivated candidates with strong analytical skills are encouraged to apply.
What programming languages are preferred?
Experience with Python, R, MATLAB, or similar programming languages is considered an advantage.
Is knowledge of agriculture necessary?
Basic knowledge of agricultural or environmental systems is beneficial, especially regarding Northwest European agriculture, but candidates from quantitative disciplines are also encouraged to apply.
Is English proficiency mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to C1 level, following Wageningen University's PhD admission requirements.
What is the salary?
The salary starts at €3,059 per month in the first year and increases to €3,881 per month in the fourth year.
Are international applicants welcome?
Yes. Wageningen University actively welcomes international applicants and provides visa assistance, relocation support, and services for accompanying family members.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit applications is 17 August 2026.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation Letter (combined maximum of three pages)
Mandatory online qualification form as specified in the vacancy.
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