Do you have experience conducting economic research on the Dutch or European agricultural sector? Would you like to contribute to sustainable and future-proof agriculture and agrifood chains through independent research? Then we are looking for you!
As an economic researcher, you will engage in applied research within dynamic, interdisciplinary project teams. Together with your team, you will examine the economic impact of various policy measures on agricultural businesses, supply chains, or broader economic systems. There are opportunities across multiple teams, so we can explore together which projects best align with your interests. Do you enjoy calculating the effects of policy measures on businesses? Are you keen to delve into the sustainability of agricultural value chains? Or would you prefer to develop our macroeconomic models? All of this is possible.
The focus is on projects for industry, as well as the Dutch and European governments. You may also participate in larger European research consortia. You will present your findings to clients and publish your results in (applied) scientific journals. Additionally, you will contribute to or lead acquisition processes. Within our teams, there are excellent opportunities to grow into a senior researcher or project leader role.
Examples of our work in agricultural economic research can be found here:
https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/social-economic-research.htm
Your Team
Depending on your interests and the best fit, you will join one of the eleven expertise groups within Wageningen Social & Economic Research. Each group consists of 25–35 enthusiastic researchers from various countries and academic disciplines. You will work within changing project teams and often collaborate with other departments of Wageningen University & Research or external knowledge partners. Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
A parttime contract for can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.
Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of. The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.
We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated. You are a:
Strong Researcher:
Effective Collaborator:
And you possess knowledge of Dutch and/or European agriculture.
Additionally, you have experience with or are interested in one or more of the following topics:
As you can see, there are plenty of challenges and development opportunities. If you do not yet meet all the criteria but have solid work experience, we still warmly encourage you to apply. For more information about this position, please contact Anne Oudes via anne.oudes@wur.nl.
For questions about the application procedure, please contact Jeanine van 't Veer, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.ssg@wur.nl.
Ready to Apply?
Click the application button on the vacancy page on our website. Only applications submitted via our website will be considered.
You can apply until 24-9-2025. We review applications on a rolling basis and may schedule interviews before the deadline. This means the vacancy may close early—so don’t wait to apply!
Selection Procedure
An assessment may be part of the selection process.
Welcome, Safe, and Valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) places great importance on diversity and inclusion. We believe that diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions. We therefore foster a working environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued—regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we build a culture in which every unique contribution adds to the success of our organisation.
As an economic researcher, you will engage in applied research within dynamic, interdisciplinary project teams. Together with your team, you will examine the economic impact of various policy measures on agricultural businesses, supply chains, or broader economic systems. There are opportunities across multiple teams, so we can explore together which projects best align with your interests. Do you enjoy calculating the effects of policy measures on businesses? Are you keen to delve into the sustainability of agricultural value chains? Or would you prefer to develop our macroeconomic models? All of this is possible.
The focus is on projects for industry, as well as the Dutch and European governments. You may also participate in larger European research consortia. You will present your findings to clients and publish your results in (applied) scientific journals. Additionally, you will contribute to or lead acquisition processes. Within our teams, there are excellent opportunities to grow into a senior researcher or project leader role.
Examples of our work in agricultural economic research can be found here:
https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/social-economic-research.htm
Your Team
Depending on your interests and the best fit, you will join one of the eleven expertise groups within Wageningen Social & Economic Research. Each group consists of 25–35 enthusiastic researchers from various countries and academic disciplines. You will work within changing project teams and often collaborate with other departments of Wageningen University & Research or external knowledge partners. Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
A parttime contract for can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.
Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of. The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.
We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated. You are a:
Strong Researcher:
- PhD or MSc in economics, business administration, or an agronomic discipline with an economic focus
- (Extensive) experience with quantitative methods
- Experience with or interest in applied scientific research
Effective Collaborator:
- Experience with project-based work, independent planning, prioritising, and meeting deadlines
- Team player with excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English
And you possess knowledge of Dutch and/or European agriculture.
Additionally, you have experience with or are interested in one or more of the following topics:
- Agricultural business economics
- Livestock farming and animal health
- Effects of European policy on Dutch agriculture
- International trade and macroeconomic issues
- Sustainability of agrifood chains
- New, sustainable business models for agricultural enterprises and value chain partners
As you can see, there are plenty of challenges and development opportunities. If you do not yet meet all the criteria but have solid work experience, we still warmly encourage you to apply. For more information about this position, please contact Anne Oudes via anne.oudes@wur.nl.
For questions about the application procedure, please contact Jeanine van 't Veer, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.ssg@wur.nl.
Ready to Apply?
Click the application button on the vacancy page on our website. Only applications submitted via our website will be considered.
You can apply until 24-9-2025. We review applications on a rolling basis and may schedule interviews before the deadline. This means the vacancy may close early—so don’t wait to apply!
Selection Procedure
An assessment may be part of the selection process.
Welcome, Safe, and Valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) places great importance on diversity and inclusion. We believe that diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions. We therefore foster a working environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued—regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we build a culture in which every unique contribution adds to the success of our organisation.