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Postdoc in Governance and Sustainability Transitions in Farming Systems Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Fixed-term postdoc contract for 2 years; gross salary €3,706–€5,760 per month for a 38-hour full-time working week (scale 10, CAO-NU).
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Wageningen University & Research
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About this position
This postdoctoral position is based in the Animal Production Systems group at Wageningen University & Research, where the team studies the role of livestock in food systems and the trade-offs and synergies between environmental impact, animal welfare, and economic viability. The project focuses on the governance of transitions toward more sustainable and regenerative farming systems, with particular attention to how governance instruments shape the future of livestock farming.
The successful candidate will contribute to research on public and private governance instruments, including certification schemes, private standards, policy incentives, sustainability indicators, and metrics such as KPIs. A key part of the role is to examine how these instruments influence farming systems, farmers’ livelihoods, and perceptions of sustainability transitions. The project sits at the interface of science, policy, and practice, and is embedded in a broader polycentric food systems context.
The postdoc will also contribute to ongoing work on regenerative agriculture, including ReGeNL, while helping with stakeholder engagement, project management, proposal development, and education. The research environment is interdisciplinary and internationally oriented, with a strong focus on collaboration across disciplines and with external partners.
You will join a team led by Dr. Evelien de Olde and work within a group that explores how livestock systems can be made more sustainable through systems thinking and integrated analysis.
Funding details
Fixed-term postdoc contract for 2 years; gross salary €3,706–€5,760 per month for a 38-hour full-time working week (scale 10, CAO-NU).
What's required
A completed PhD degree in a relevant interdisciplinary field such as sustainability science, agricultural science, animal science, political science, environmental science, or a related discipline is required. The candidate should have curiosity about leverage points and complexities in the governance of farming systems and be comfortable working in transdisciplinary settings with project partners including farmers. Relevant experience with farming systems research, sustainability indicators, and governance theories is expected, along with experience using qualitative and/or mixed-method research approaches such as interviews, focus groups, serious games, and stakeholder engagement. Applicants should be interested in developing research proposals and contributing to future projects, be a collaborative, creative, proactive team player, and have strong verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English at C1 level. The role also requires willingness and ability to work from Wageningen at least 3 days per week.
How to apply
Apply via the AcademicTransfer application page. Prepare a CV and motivation letter that describe your relevant experience, especially with governance of farming systems, research methods, stakeholder engagement, and project work. Submit your application before the deadline.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.