PhD in Biodiversity Monitoring for Nature-Inclusive Agrifood Transitions Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands

Wageningen University & Research is recruiting a fully funded PhD in biodiversity monitoring for nature-inclusive agrifood transitions. The project is part of the NWO-KIC RISE initiative (Resilient Integrated Systems for Ecosystem restoration) and focuses on biodiversity, ecosystem services, biological pest control, functional ecology, and insect ecology.

The PhD is hosted at the Laboratory of Entomology and the crop protection team of the Greenhouse Unit in Bleiswijk, within Wageningen University & Research. The work is embedded in an interdisciplinary consortium involving Eindhoven University of Technology, Leiden University, and Inholland University of Applied Sciences, with collaboration from farmers, growers, and societal stakeholders.

The research will examine how biodiversity implementation in two case areas relates to biological pest control as an ecosystem service. Tasks include designing biodiversity heat maps, identifying indicator species, setting up field and greenhouse experiments, conducting biodiversity monitoring, performing molecular gut content analyses of key predators, and assessing biological control capacity with sentinel prey. The PhD will also contribute to collaborative scenario development and implementation roadmaps for nature-inclusive agrifood systems.

Applicants should have a completed MSc in Biology, Plant Sciences, or a related discipline, plus a strong interest in insect ecology and biological pest control. Experience with experimental research on insects is required, along with strong organizational and communication skills. English at C1 level is expected, and Dutch is preferred for stakeholder engagement.

Funding includes a fully funded PhD salary at WUR, starting at €3,059 gross per month in year one and rising to €3,881 in year four, plus standard employment benefits and a tailored course program. The contract is initially for 18 months and may be extended for the project duration if performance is good.

Deadline: 31 July 2026. Applications must be submitted through the WUR vacancy page only, with a CV and motivation letter totaling no more than 3 pages.