PhD position Biodiversity-positive cropping systems for protein crops

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate how quinoa, white lupin and/or aardaker (Lathyrus tuberosus) contribute to ecosystem services in cropping systems. The PhD position will focus on generating knowledge on the ecological functions of these novel protein crops and understanding plant biotic interactions that underlie sustainable and biodiversity-positive cropping systems. Field trials at research stations, and potentially on-farm, will generate actionable data to support farmers in making the transition towards more sustainable farming practices and in facilitating the wider adoption of these novel protein crops.

Your role

• Conduct field experiments and biodiversity monitoring to study how quinoa, white lupin, and aardaker influence above- and belowground biotic communities and ecosystem services.
• Investigate plant-plant interactions in natural and agro-ecosystems to gain insights into communal dynamics, companion effects, and evolutionary strategies.
• Engage with farmers to understand current cropping systems and factors influencing the adoption of novel protein crops.
• Identify ecological patterns and companion crops that support ecosystem services such as disease suppression, soil health, and nutrient cycling.
• Write and publish your research in leading scientific journals and communicate your findings through your PhD thesis and broader societal outreach. 

You will work here

This research is embedded within three research groups: the Biosystematics Group (BIS), the Centre for Crop Systems Analysis (CSA), and the Plant Production Systems Group (PPS) with supervision by Dr. Casper Quist/Dr. Klaas Bouwmeester, Prof. Jonne Rodenburg, Dr. Paul Ravensbergen, respectively. The Biosystematics Group applies evolutionary and biodiversity knowledge to enhance crops and (agro-)ecosystems through comparative biology approaches. The Centre for Crop Systems Analysis contributes to the improvement and innovation of crop production by integrating ecological understanding of crops and weeds across multiple levels. The Plant Production Systems Group combines production ecological theory with empirical knowledge to provide a better understanding of sustainability of farming systems around the world. 

This NWA-funded PhD position is part of the REAP2SOW programme, a national collaboration between Wageningen University & Research, Utrecht University, Leiden University, the University of Twente, and the University of Groningen, together with partners across the agri-food sector. REAP2SOW addresses the urgent challenge of transitioning to a sustainable, plant-based protein system by 2050, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and strengthen food security in the face of climate change and increasing weather extremes that affect ecosystem functioning. The programme brings together interdisciplinary expertise spanning natural, social, and technical sciences.

Within REAP2SOW, our work package, comprising two PhD projects, will focus on designing resilient, sustainable and biodiversity-positive cropping systems for protein crops. This work package closely collaborates with other REAP2SOW WPs addressing soil health, plant physiology, and crop breeding, ensuring strong integration across disciplines and scales. The advertised position will adopt a “learning from nature” approach to explore how novel protein crops and their close relatives interact with neighbouring plants and the wider ecosystem, translating these insights into biodiversity-positive cropping strategies. The second PhD position within this work package will focus on ‘learning from farmers’. Together, these complementary perspectives will contribute to an integrated, system-level approach for developing future-proof protein cropping systems. 

You are a highly motivated candidate who is eager to explore how novel protein crops can contribute to biodiversity-positive and resilient farming systems 

You also possess: 

• A successfully completed MSc degree in plant sciences, plant biology, agroecology or related field.
• Strong interest in plant-environment interactions, ecosystem services, and the ecological roles of crops in diversified farming systems.
• Practical experience in field experiments or ecological assessments, with affinity for plant diversity, field botany, and ecological observation.
• Ability to communicate scientifically as well as with non-scientific project stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm for performing field work on-station and on-farm.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills; experience with ecological data analysis or ecological network modelling is an advantage.
• Affinity to work within a larger multi-disciplinary project, with strong project/time management skills.
• Proficiency in Dutch, and/or valid driving license (applicable in the Netherlands) can be an advantage.

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

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 € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,-  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.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

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.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Casper Quist, casper.quist@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl .

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 (max. 3 pages in total for both documents):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• Motivation letter. (please indicate to which of the PhD positions you are applying)

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply until 23 February 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.

​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.

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