PhD: Economic Modelling of Pest Risk Management in Phytosanitary Systems

Your job
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We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position titled “Behavioural and Economic Modelling of Pest Risk Management in Phytosanitary Systems.”

This PhD research project aims to advance the understanding of behavioural, economic, and policy dimensions that shape pest risk management within European phytosanitary systems. The project sits at the intersection of behavioural science, agricultural economics, and systems modelling, with a strong focus on developing innovative, real\-world applicable solutions for plant health challenges.

Research context

The PhD will be conducted within the framework of the newly launched, multidisciplinary EU Horizon Europe project *PhytoPRISM: A Platform for supporting a systems approach in Pest RISk Management*, bringing together 15 leading research partners from 7 EU countries. This international consortium offers an unique opportunity for international collaboration, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, and impactful scientific research at the forefront of European plant health policy and practice.

This PhD research project will contribute to the development of modelling tools that support effective pest risk management. Such management requires not only a strong biological and ecological understanding of pest spread, but also in\-depth knowledge of how human behaviour, economic incentives, and policy instruments shape decision\-making at multiple stages of pest infestations.

Research objectives

The PhD research addresses the following objectives:

• Behavioural analysis: Identify and analyse behavioural drivers influencing stakeholder decisions in pest risk management across different stages of pest dynamics.


• Economic evaluation: Assess economic trade\-offs between alternative phytosanitary measures, including prevention, eradication, and containment strategies.


• Incentives and policy analysis: Examine how economic incentives, institutional constraints, and policy instruments influence stakeholder behaviour and system efficiency.


• Model integration: Integrate behavioural responses into pest risk and bio\-economic models to improve decision\-support tools and strategy design (together with PhytoPRISM partners).

You will work here

The PhD project will take place within the Business Economics (BEC) group of the Wageningen University, which is led by Prof. Alfons Oude Lansink. BEC holds a strong position in interdisciplinary research with key areas, such as food supply chain economics, bio\-economic modelling, and economics of food safety, plant \& animal health.

Your qualities
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We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following profile:

• A Master’s degree in (agricultural) economics or a related field.


• Affinity with European agricultural production systems


• Experience with behavioural research and/or systems modelling is an advantage.


• Strong quantitative skills and interest in statistical modelling, or simulation approaches.


• Experience with R, STATA or similar software.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi\-disciplinary team.


• Good communication skills; proficiency in spoken and written English (C1 level or equivalent) is a prerequisite.

We offer
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Wageningen University \& Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;


• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work\-life balance;


• 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.

In addition to these first\-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 3\.059,\- per month rising to € 3\.881,\- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO\-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full\-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.

Coming from abroad
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Wageningen University \& Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University \& Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Important information
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For more information about the position, please contact Alfons Oude Lansink (alons.oudelansink@wur.nl) or Monique Mourits (monique.mourits@wur.nl).

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.ssg@wur.nl .

Ready to apply?

You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents:

• a motivation letter (max 1 page) where you state why you are interested and what experience you have to address the aspects of the research project;


• a CV (max 2 pages) demonstrating your relevant experience;


• a maximum of two reference letters.

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed the indicated limits. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply up to and including June 16, 2026\. The first interviews are scheduled for June 22, 2026\.

We are
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The mission of Wageningen University \& Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University \& Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University \& Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

*We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.*

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