Wageningen University & Research
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PhD in Landscape Governance for Biodiversity Recovery in Agricultural Landscapes Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Fully funded PhD position. The post offers a course program tailored to the candidate's needs and the research team. Salary is €3,204 gross in the first year, rising to €4,051 over the project according to Dutch university collective agreements. The appointment is 0.8 FTE for 18 months initially, extendable to the full 5-year project if performance is good; a full-time 1.0 FTE option would make the PhD four years.
Deadline
Oct 5, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Wageningen University & Research
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About this position
Wageningen University & Research is advertising a PhD position in Landscape Governance within the DECISION project, a transdisciplinary effort focused on biodiversity recovery in agricultural landscapes and the transition to a nature-inclusive dairy sector in the Netherlands.
The project brings together farmers, dairy companies, financial and service sectors, local communities, and academic researchers to co-create and accelerate resilient, nature-inclusive futures. The PhD will sit between the Land Use Planning Group and the Animal Production Systems group, combining landscape governance, spatial planning, public administration, institutional economics, political science, and rural sociology perspectives.
The successful candidate will develop a research proposal and training/supervision plan, study coordinated public and private action, conduct semi-structured interviews and workshops, implement a Theory of Change approach, and help bridge research, education, and stakeholder engagement. The role is explicitly collaborative and interdisciplinary, with a strong emphasis on knowledge co-production and dissemination to both scientific and non-academic audiences.
Eligibility highlights include a completed MSc in a relevant social science, affinity with biodiversity or environmental topics, experience with mixed-method research and stakeholder engagement, and strong English and Dutch communication skills. English proficiency at C1 level is expected, and an internationally recognised certificate may be requested.
This is a fully funded PhD position with a salary starting at €3,204 gross per month in year one and rising to €4,051 over the project, based on Dutch university collective agreements. The appointment is 0.8 FTE for 18 months initially, with extension to the full 5-year project if performance is good; a full-time option would shorten the PhD to four years.
Applications must be submitted through the WUR vacancy page by 2026-10-05. Applicants should upload a CV (max 2 pages) and a motivation letter (max 1 page), with a total maximum of 3 pages. First interviews are scheduled for 14 and/or 16 October 2026.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD position. The post offers a course program tailored to the candidate's needs and the research team. Salary is €3,204 gross in the first year, rising to €4,051 over the project according to Dutch university collective agreements. The appointment is 0.8 FTE for 18 months initially, extendable to the full 5-year project if performance is good; a full-time 1.0 FTE option would make the PhD four years.
What's required
Applicants must have a successfully completed MSc degree in a relevant social science such as Spatial Planning, Public Administration and Governance, Institutional Economics, Political Science, or (Rural) Sociology. They should have demonstrated affinity with biodiversity or other environmental topics, experience with mixed-method research, conducting and analyzing interviews, surveys, and synthesizing documents, and affinity with inter- and transdisciplinary approaches and designing interactive stakeholder sessions. Excellent writing and presenting skills in English and Dutch are required, and English proficiency at C1 level may need to be evidenced by an internationally recognised certificate.
How to apply
Apply directly via the apply button on the vacancy page on the WUR website. Submit a CV (max 2 pages) and a motivation letter (max 1 page); total documents must not exceed 3 pages. Only applications submitted through the website will be considered.
More information can be found here
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