PhD in Agent-Based Simulation of Supply Chain Effects of Social Sustainability Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands

Wageningen University & Research is advertising a fully funded PhD position on agent-based simulation of supply chain effects of social sustainability. The project sits at the intersection of supply chain management, industrial engineering, computer science, statistics, and environmental science, with a strong focus on social sustainability in agri-food supply chains.

The research will investigate how compliance-oriented and capability-oriented governance mechanisms influence social outcomes over time across supply chain tiers. You will use agent-based modelling to represent adaptive supply chain actors and combine this with social life cycle assessment (s-LCA) to quantify social impacts. The project aims to understand both negative and positive social effects, including labor rights, working conditions, market access, informal employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities for underserved communities.

The position is embedded in the Operations Research and Logistics chair at Wageningen University & Research. The group works on operations and supply chain issues in food and bio-based supply chains, including circular supply chains, disruptions, changing diets, omni-channel retail, not-for-profit supply chains, and waste minimization. Supervision is mentioned for Prof. Ellen Slegers, Dr. Rodrigo Romero Silva, and Prof. Sander de Leeuw.

Applicants should have a completed MSc in a relevant field such as Operations/Supply Chain Management, Industrial/Systems Engineering & Management, or Complex Systems Science. Strong experience in agent-based modelling is required, along with the ability to translate qualitative social impacts into quantitative models. Experience with LCA or s-LCA is a plus. English proficiency at C1 level is expected.

The position offers a fully funded PhD contract with a gross salary from €3,059 per month in year 1 to €3,881 per month in year 4, based on a 38-hour week. The initial contract is for 18 months and may be extended for the project duration. WUR also highlights benefits such as a year-end bonus, pension scheme, work-life balance, sports facilities, and support for international staff.

Deadline: apply by 2026-07-01. Applications must be submitted via the WUR vacancy page. You need to upload a CV and motivation letter only, with a combined maximum of 3 pages, and complete the mandatory additional information form. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required at this stage.