PhD in Socio-Economic Dynamics and System Dynamics for Nature-Inclusive Agrifood Transitions Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Are you interested in sustainability transitions, biodiversity restoration, and the redesign of agrifood systems? This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology is part of the NWO-KIC project RISE – Resilient Integrated Systems for Ecosystem restoration. The project brings together TU/e, Wageningen University & Research, Leiden University, and Inholland University of Applied Sciences, along with societal partners from agriculture, horticulture, regional development, water management, policy, and civil society.

The project addresses a practical and urgent challenge: how to make biodiversity-enhancing practices in agriculture and horticulture ecologically effective, economically viable, and socially supported. The PhD will be embedded in the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences and the Innovation, Technology Entrepreneurship & Marketing (ITEM) group, an environment with strong expertise in system dynamics, innovation systems, stakeholder engagement, and agri-food transitions.

The specific focus of this project is the socio-economic dynamics of nature-inclusive agrifood transitions. You will study how value chains, business models, economic incentives, stakeholder coordination, lock-ins, and rebound effects shape the feasibility of biodiversity-restoring practices. Using system dynamics and participative modelling, you will map the economic system around farms in regional case studies, conduct interviews and fieldwork, develop causal loop diagrams, and build a simulation model of regional transitions.

Two regional case areas are central to the project: Reusel-Zuid, focused on open-field agriculture, and Oostland Zuid-Holland, focused on greenhouse horticulture. A third region will support validation and replication. You will work closely with farmers, growers, value-chain actors, policymakers, and regional stakeholders in workshops and collaborative scenario development.

The PhD is part of a cohort of four candidates, each contributing to linked work packages across universities and disciplines. Cross-university supervision connects innovation science, spatial modelling, biodiversity monitoring, and ecological indicator development. The position is well suited to a candidate who enjoys working at the boundary of theory and practice and wants to produce both strong academic outputs and practical tools for transition pathways.

Requirements include a relevant master’s degree, strong interest in sustainability transitions and agrifood innovation, and an interest or background in systems thinking and qualitative or mixed-method research. Excellent English is required; Dutch is a strong advantage because much of the fieldwork and stakeholder engagement will take place in Dutch agricultural and horticultural regions.

The appointment is a full-time PhD position for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. The salary is in accordance with the Dutch Universities collective labour agreement, scale P, and includes holiday allowance and a year-end bonus. TU/e also offers pension contributions, training opportunities, and additional employment benefits.

Applications should be submitted online. A complete application includes a cover letter, CV with publications, and contact information for three references. The vacancy remains open until the position is filled, but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.