Postdoc in Governance and Sustainability Transitions in Farming Systems

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the governance of transitions towards more sustainable and regenerative farming systems. Governance instruments — including certification schemes, private standards, and policy incentives — play an important role in shaping the future of livestock farming systems. Are you curious about how standards, incentives, and sustainability indicators influence farming systems and farmers’ livelihoods? Are you excited to contribute to interdisciplinary research that supports transitions towards more sustainable farming systems? Then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a candidate with experience in the governance of farming systems, who is highly motivated to contribute to more sustainable food systems through inter- and transdisciplinary research. You are a systems thinker with an interest in public-private governance of livestock farming systems, agricultural policy and/or sustainable finance. You are familiar with current policy debates on the future of European and Dutch agriculture and enjoy working at the interface of science, policy and practice. 

You will strengthen the team working on farming systems governance by contributing to research on public and private governance instruments, sustainability indicators, and perceptions of those affected by transitions. Your work will include contributing to ongoing research on regenerative agriculture (including ReGeNL), facilitating stakeholder engagement, supporting project management, developing research proposals, and contributing to education. You are encouraged to describe relevant experience with these tasks in your CV and motivation letter.

You will work here

This postdoc will be situated at the Animal Production Systems group of Wageningen University & Research. Here we analyze and explore the roles of livestock in food systems with the aim of making these food systems more sustainable. The group focuses on unravelling the complexity of livestock systems, and exploring trade-offs and synergies of innovations regarding environmental impact, animal welfare, and economic viability, to design a more sustainable future.

You will join the team led by Dr. Evelien de Olde and contribute to research on governance issues in farming systems within a polycentric food systems context, including sustainability certification and standards, the role of metrics and KPIs, and the impact of sustainability transitions on livestock farming systems.

• A completed PhD degree with an interdisciplinary focus in a relevant field such as sustainability science, agricultural science, animal science, political science, environmental science, or related disciplines;
• Curiosity to explore leverage points and complexities in the governance of farming systems while working in transdisciplinary settings with project partners including farmers;
• Affinity with farming systems research, sustainability indicators, and governance theories;
• Experience with diverse qualitative and/or mixed-method research methods such as interviews, focus groups, serious games, and stakeholder engagement;
• Interest in developing research proposals and contributing to future projects;
• You are a good team player, collaborative and creative who can communicate easily with diverse audiences and act proactively;
• You possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in Dutch and English (C1 level).

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 year-end 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 € 3.546,- and € 5.538,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended on good performance, for the duration of the project (2 years).

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

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.

For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Evelien de Olde: evelien.deolde@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.

The application should be in English, and contain a Motivation letter and your CV. 

You can apply up to and including 20 July 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for the 31st of August and 1st of September 2026. 

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.

​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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