PhD position: The water footprint of European food: Towards water-efficient and resilient food production and consumption patterns

This PhD position at the University of Twente, in partnership with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), focuses on advancing the understanding and sustainability of water use in European food production and consumption. Agriculture accounts for over 90% of global freshwater consumption, making it a critical area for improving water efficiency and resilience, especially as food demand grows and climate change impacts water resources. The project aims to address gaps in knowledge about the water footprint of food and agricultural products, providing actionable insights for European and national policymakers to mitigate water stress and enhance food system resilience. The successful candidate will spend the first two years at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, working with the developers of the ACEA global crop water model to automate and update water footprint accounts. These accounts will be used to calculate the water footprints of various crop-derived products, including food, bio-based materials, and bioenergy. The research will involve applying and refining Water Footprint Assessment and Life Cycle Assessment methodologies, potentially developing new approaches for matching spatial and temporal data resolutions and assessing the impact of green water consumption. In the final two years, the candidate will be based at the JRC in Ispra, Italy, where they will test and refine models and methods in policy-relevant case studies. The work will align with the European Commission’s Environmental Footprint initiative and support the transition to healthy, sustainable diets. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities to work in a dynamic, international research environment. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, experience in environmental or crop modelling, water footprint or life cycle assessment, strong programming and analytical skills, and excellent English proficiency. EU nationality or long-term residency is required, and candidates must be willing to relocate to both the Netherlands and Italy during the PhD. The Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente provides a vibrant ecosystem for research and education, with strong connections to leading research institutes. Applications are open until November 14th, with interviews scheduled for late November and December.