PhD: The Link Between Mountains, Downstream Agriculture and Ecosystems Globally - Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands

About the Position

Wageningen University & Research invites applications for a PhD position on the link between mountains, downstream agriculture and ecosystems globally. The project studies how mountain processes, from water supply to sediment and nutrient flows, shape agricultural systems and ecosystem outcomes far downstream, and how these connections change under climate and land-use pressure.

The doctoral candidate will assemble and analyse global datasets, build quantitative models of mountain-to-downstream linkages, and test how different futures affect food production and ecosystems. The position is embedded in Wageningen's land and water systems research, and the appointment follows the Dutch CAO-NU collective agreement with a gross monthly salary between EUR 3,204 and EUR 4,051 at 38 hours per week.

Candidate Profile

Applicants hold a master's degree in environmental science, hydrology, land-systems science, geography or a related quantitative discipline. Strong data-analysis and modelling skills, and affinity with global-scale synthesis work, are expected. The working language is English, and the candidate joins an international research group.

Highlights

• Global mountain-to-downstream system linkages
• Water, sediment and nutrient flow analysis
• Global dataset assembly and modelling
• Climate and land-use change scenarios
• Food production and ecosystem outcome assessment
• Salaried PhD, EUR 3,204 - 4,051 per month (38 hrs)

Funding and Duration

Component	Details
Award or position	PhD fellowship / salaried position
Stipend / salary	EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month
Duration	Four years

Eligibility and Requirements

Component	Details
Applicant eligibility	Worldwide
Academic preparation	Master's in environmental science, hydrology, land-systems science or geography
Language	English proficiency required

Application dates

Component	Details
Recruitment status	Open
Deadline	3 November 2026
Location	Wageningen, Netherlands

About Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research is a Dutch institution focused on life sciences, agriculture, food and the environment. It combines university education with research addressing sustainable food systems and living environments. Its programmes and projects connect biological, environmental and social perspectives, supporting collaboration with academic institutions, industry and public organisations worldwide.

Official details: Read the programme or project information

Application route: Follow the official application instructions

Contact

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.

Important Notes

• Application deadline: 3 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
• Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
• Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 3 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.

Open the official application page ↗

Application guides

• University Motivation Letter: Explain Your Preparation and Course Choice
• Academic CV for PhD Applications: Structure and an Example

Official Link

https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/phd-link-between-mountains-downstream-agriculture-and-ecosystems-globally