Postdoc in Governance and Sustainability Transitions in Farming Systems

About this position

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the governance of transitions towards more sustainable and regenerative farming systems. Governance instruments — including certification schemes, private standards, and policy incentives — play an important role in shaping the future of livestock farming systems. Are you curious about how standards, incentives, and sustainability indicators influence farming systems and farmers’ livelihoods?

Are you excited to contribute to interdisciplinary research that supports transitions towards more sustainable farming systems? Then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a candidate with experience in the governance of farming systems, who is highly motivated to contribute to more sustainable food systems through inter- and transdisciplinary research. You are a systems thinker with an interest in public-private governance of livestock farming systems, agricultural policy and/or sustainable finance. You are familiar with current policy debates on the future of European and Dutch agriculture and enjoy working at the interface of science, policy and practice.

You will strengthen the team working on farming systems governance by contributing to research on public and private governance instruments, sustainability indicators, and perceptions of those affected by transitions. Your work will include contributing to ongoing research on regenerative agriculture (including ReGeNL), facilitating stakeholder engagement, supporting project management, developing research proposals, and contributing to education. You are encouraged to describe relevant experience with these tasks in your CV and motivation letter.

You will work here

This postdoc will be situated at the Animal Production Systems group of Wageningen University & Research. Here we analyze and explore the roles of livestock in food systems with the aim of making these food systems more sustainable. The group focuses on unravelling the complexity of livestock systems, and exploring trade-offs and synergies of innovations regarding environmental impact, animal welfare, and economic viability, to design a more sustainable future.

You will join the team led by Dr. Evelien de Olde and contribute to research on governance issues in farming systems within a polycentric food systems context, including sustainability certification and standards, the role of metrics and KPIs, and the impact of sustainability transitions on livestock farming systems.