3 Fully Funded PhD Fellowships in Robotic Intercropping, Crop Science, and Agroecology at University of Copenhagen University of Copenhagen in Netherlands

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is offering three fully funded PhD fellowships in the innovative Robotic Intercropping project, supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. These positions focus on advancing sustainable agriculture through the integration of robotics, intercropping systems, and ecological research. The research environment is highly international and interdisciplinary, involving collaboration with Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands), the University of Southern Denmark, and the Technical University of Denmark.

The three PhD projects address key areas in crop science and agroecology: (1) optimizing crop yield and nutrient balances through cutting management strategies in intercropping systems, (2) investigating spatial and temporal crop arrangements for improved yield, weed suppression, and resource efficiency in robotic intercropping, and (3) studying nutrient cycling and soil microbial dynamics in service crops under various cutting and pruning strategies. All projects involve both field and controlled experiments, advanced crop and soil measurements, remote sensing, and biostatistical analysis.

Supervision is provided by leading academics from the University of Copenhagen and Wageningen University & Research, including Prof. Svend Christensen, Dr. Dirk van Apeldoorn, Assoc. Prof. Signe Marie Jensen, Prof. Jonne Rodenburg, Assistant Prof. Veronica Hansen, and Assistant Prof. Stephanie Watts-Fawkes. The fellows will join a vibrant cohort of PhD students and postdocs, with opportunities for research stays abroad and participation in cutting-edge research on sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Applicants must have an MSc in Plant/Crop Science, Agroecology, Soil Science, Plant Ecophysiology, or related fields, with experience in experimental research, crop and soil analysis, remote sensing, and biostatistics considered advantageous. The positions are fully funded for three years, including salary, tuition, and research expenses, and are based at the Taastrup Campus near Copenhagen.

To apply, candidates should submit a motivated letter, CV, diplomas, transcripts, publication list, and reference letters electronically via the University of Copenhagen job portal before the deadline of 14 December 2025. For more information, visit the project webpage or contact the principal supervisor at [email protected].