Postdoc Philosophy: ELSA (Ethical, Legal, and Social Aspects) of AgData project

Are you interested in how developments in data technology are affecting farming systems particularly in relation to ethical and social issues? Do you have empirical research skills that you are eager to develop further through applied philosophical research on new technologies? Are you excited to collaborate on a large interdisciplinary program to develop methods for deepening awareness and knowledge about ethical, legal, and social aspects (ELSA) of scientific developments? Within our team, you will have the opportunity to explore these questions in depth with other philosophers, through discussions with engineers and scientists across Europe, and as part of a large-scale program focused on enhancing sustainability and competitiveness of European agriculture through greater and better use of data.

This postdoc is based in the Philosophy group and affiliated with the EU Partnership Agriculture of Data (AgData). In its first two-year exploratory phase (2025-27), this program seeks to develop mechanisms, approaches, and networks which will serve as the basis for a longer second phase (approval pending) which will build and expand this work.

Through this postdoc, we aim to develop approaches for developing awareness and engagement with ELSA across ‘use cases’ (UCs) which are specific, real-world examples of technologies and other data-driven approaches related to agricultural data. Within the work package focused on ELSA, you will conduct empirical work with select UC participants on their own practices, and to apply concepts related to ELSA of their own UCs and collectively identify common interests, challenges, and priorities. We also will continue to develop methods related to ELSA research in conjunction with the ELSA AI4SFS Lab and other research related to ELSA of science and technology. This postdoc provides an excellent opportunity for investigation of philosophical issues associated with data-driven agricultural research and applications, grounded in careful empirical work on real-life examples. Thus the results of this postdoc will contribute to the rapidly growing fields of philosophy of agriculture and of data/AI via use of empirically informed investigations drawn from the philosophy of science in practice and related fields.

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• developing empirical, methodological, and conceptual analyses including of ELSA of real-world examples of technologies or initiatives associated with use of data in and for agriculture;
• engaging in collaborative events and initiatives associated with the AgData program, including developing networks to build ELSA-related activities;
• collaborating with partners on the AgData ELSA work package including on webinars and other activities for partners, and with those in PHI and more broadly in WUR working on related topics; and
• contributing to the PHI group through active participation in its activities, developing collaborations with others in the group, and presenting and publishing high-quality outputs.

Your team

You will work with Rachel Ankeny. You will also collaborate with other members of the AgData program, particularly those in the ELSA work package at Wageningen Research and the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN = Ministerie van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur). 

You will work here 

This postdoc position is located within the Philosophy Group, led by prof. dr. Rachel Ankeny.

The position is funded through the EU Partnership Agriculture of Data (AgData) which seeks to foster strong, coordinated collaboration across Europe to advance sustainable agricultural practices and respond effectively to increasing climate threats particularly through a focus on digital transformation and data. One particular goal is to ensure that solutions are not only scientifically robust and practically applicable but also are informed and shaped by ELSA. The AgData Partnership fosters international knowledge exchange and strengthens cooperation across borders to enable the agriculture and food sectors to better anticipate risks, implement more sustainable practices, and contribute to a healthier and more resilient planet.

You are fascinated by both philosophy and contemporary science/technology and how they can partner to make change in the world. You are a highly skilled postdoctoral researcher with background in empirical research and its methods who is proactive and flexible, and who is both a team player and a connector who enjoys working in different environments and with diverse people. You also possess:

• a successfully completed PhD degree in philosophy of science, philosophy of technology, ethics and technology, or a related field in humanities or social sciences, along with a track record of high-quality publications appropriate to your career stage;
• experience working on collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects particularly in agriculture and/or related fields;
• the ambition and organizational skills to lead novel philosophical research and coordinate a research program;
• experience in using academic research to create societal impacts and a desire to continue to build these skills; and
• excellent communication skills and experience working in team settings including in transdisciplinary collaborations with scientists and policymakers.

In our international working environment, most communication is in English (equivalent to language level C1 for this position).

The desired starting date of this project is September 1, 2026 or earlier if possible. We invite a diversity of applicants to apply, especially related to gender and ethnic diversity.

We ask that you briefly address each of the required qualities above explicitly in your cover letter.

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 - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance, for the duration of the project. 

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 Rachel Ankeny, Chair and Professor on rachel.ankeny@wur.nl. Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter, via jouke.vanoostenbrugge@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.

You can apply up to and including 10 August 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 24 July 2026.Interviews will occur as soon as possible after these dates.

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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