Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Modelling Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture – Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
Quick Overview
Wageningen University and Research (WUR) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position (4 years) in “Modelling non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture,” starting in September 2026. This exciting opportunity is part of the Earth Systems and Global Change Group and is embedded within a HORIZON project entitled MARVELA. The research aims to advance monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems and mitigation strategies for reducing agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The PhD project will systematically evaluate and improve the accuracy, effectiveness, efficiency, and usability of established and emerging MRV tools. The research will focus on key agricultural practices including animal husbandry, manure management, livestock feeding and grazing, soil tillage, fertilizer application, and liming across diverse pedo-climatic zones and farming systems. By adopting a holistic, systems-oriented perspective, the project will generate harmonized metrics that enable consistent, transparent, and comparable assessments across regions and practices, while providing new scientific insights to inform robust mitigation measures for achieving climate neutrality goals.
Key Details
| Position | PhD: Modelling non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture |
| Organization | Wageningen University and Research (WUR) |
| Location | Wageningen, Netherlands |
| Program | PhD (4 years) |
| Qualification | MSc degree in environmental sciences, agricultural studies, or similar with a strong quantitative background |
| Salary | €3,204/month (year 1) rising to €4,051/month (year 4) according to CAO-NU scale P |
| Contract | Temporary 18 months, extended for project duration if performance is good |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
| Deadline | 9 October 2026 |
| Apply Via | WUR vacancy page (official website) |
About the Project and University
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences, with a mission “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.” With roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees, 13,100 students, and over 150,000 participants in its Life Long Learning programs, WUR is one of the leading organizations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and collaboration between different disciplines.
The Earth Systems and Global Change Group, led by Prof. dr. Hannah van Zanten and Prof. dr. Nynke Hofstra, hosts this PhD research. Dr. Gerard Ros, Dr. Mengru Wang, and Prof. dr. Hannah van Zanten from Wageningen University, together with Prof. Dr. Erik Meers from Ghent University, will supervise the successful candidate. The project forms part of the MARVELA HORIZON project, which aims to advance MRV systems and mitigation strategies for agricultural GHG emissions.
The research will expand and improve an existing modelling framework to predict direct and indirect nitrous oxide and methane emissions from agriculture. The candidate will perform a SWOT analysis of existing models, design and implement an integrated regional and farm system MRV meta-model for pilot regions across Europe, and evaluate mitigation measures. This work will generate harmonized metrics for consistent assessments across regions and practices, contributing to climate neutrality goals.
Key Responsibilities
Model Analysis and Development
- Perform a SWOT analysis of existing models and model requirements to predict non-CO2 GHG emissions on a regional level across Europe.
- Assess the ability of models to evaluate the impact of mitigation measures across time and space.
- Expand and improve an existing modelling framework to predict direct and indirect nitrous oxide and methane emissions.
MRV Meta-Model Design
- Design, build, and implement an integrated regional and farm system MRV meta-model for several pilot regions across Europe.
- Ensure the meta-model enables consistent, transparent, and comparable assessments across regions and practices.
- Generate harmonized metrics for agricultural GHG emissions.
Mitigation Evaluation
- Model evaluation of mitigation measures to consolidate and improve knowledge on mitigation measures for agricultural non-CO2 GHG emissions.
- Provide new scientific insights to inform the development and implementation of robust mitigation measures.
- Contribute to the achievement of climate neutrality goals.
Collaboration and Dissemination
- Work within an interdisciplinary team of researchers with diverse backgrounds.
- Publish peer-reviewed academic journal articles.
- Travel across Europe as required for project meetings and collaboration.
Candidate Profile
Required:
- Successfully completed MSc degree in environmental sciences, agricultural studies, or similar with a strong quantitative background.
- Experience in data analysis, quantitative modeling, and programming (e.g., R, Python).
- Knowledge of nutrient and/or agrochemical cycles in agriculture.
- Excellent scientific writing skills in English (C1 level).
- Good organizational and intercultural communication skills.
- Willingness to travel across Europe.
- Enthusiasm for collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
- Meet the entry requirements of the WUR PhD programme.
Preferred:
- Experience with publishing peer-reviewed academic journals.
- Familiarity with MRV systems or GHG emission modelling.
- Background in agricultural systems or climate change research.
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | €3,204/month (year 1) rising to €4,051/month (year 4) according to CAO-NU scale P |
| Contract | Temporary 18 months, extended for project duration if performance is good |
| Year-End Bonus | Fixed 8.3% year-end bonus |
| Pension | Excellent pension scheme |
| Parental Leave | Partially paid parental leave |
| Work-Life Balance | Flexible working hours |
| Vitality | Sports facilities available on campus for a small fee |
| Development | Fully funded PhD position with tailored course program |
| International Support | Visa application assistance, Welcome Center, dual career programs, tax exemption eligibility |
| Campus | Greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands |
Application Tips
- Prepare a concise CV and motivation letter – Maximum 3 pages total (CV max 2 pages, motivation letter max 1 page). Applications exceeding this will not be considered.
- Highlight quantitative and programming skills – Experience with R, Python, and quantitative modeling is essential.
- Demonstrate knowledge of nutrient cycles – Show your understanding of agricultural nutrient and agrochemical cycles.
- Show your scientific writing ability – Mention any peer-reviewed publications or writing experience.
- Express willingness to travel – The project involves travel across Europe for collaboration and project meetings.
- Complete the mandatory additional information form – Fill out the required form to help the selection team assess your fit for the position.
- Apply by 9 October 2026 – Submit your application through the WUR website before the deadline. The university will only consider applications submitted through its website.
- Contact Dr. Gerard Ros with questions – Email gerard.ros@wur.nl for any questions about th
Why This PhD Matters (My Analysis)
Agriculture is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly non-CO2 gases such as nitrous oxide and methane. Reducing these emissions is critical for achieving climate neutrality goals, but effective mitigation requires accurate monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems. This PhD project at Wageningen University and Research addresses this need directly by advancing MRV tools and mitigation strategies for agricultural GHG emissions across Europe.
The research is part of the MARVELA HORIZON project, which brings together researchers from multiple institutions to tackle one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. By focusing on key agricultural practices — animal husbandry, manure management, livestock feeding and grazing, soil tillage, fertilizer application, and liming — the project takes a comprehensive approach to understanding and reducing emissions. The development of an integrated regional and farm system MRV meta-model will provide harmonized metrics that enable consistent, transparent, and comparable assessments across regions and practices.
For the successful candidate, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to climate change mitigation while working at one of Europe’s leading research institutions. Wageningen University and Research is renowned for its integrated approach to complex issues and its collaboration across disciplines. The fully funded position includes excellent benefits, a competitive salary, and comprehensive support for international employees. The greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands provides an inspiring environment for research and personal development. This PhD is ideal for candidates passionate about environmental science, agriculture, and climate action who want to make a meaningful impact on global sustainability.
Apply Now
- Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
- Organization: Wageningen University and Research (WUR)
- Start Date: September 2026
- Deadline: 9 October 2026
- Contact for Position: Dr. Gerard Ros — gerard.ros@wur.nl
Contact for Procedure: Jessa Rozema — jessa.rozema-stol@wur.nl
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the position? A fully funded PhD position (4 years) in Modelling non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture at Wageningen University and Research.
- Where is the position located? Wageningen, Netherlands.
- What is the qualification requirement? An MSc degree in environmental sciences, agricultural studies, or similar with a strong quantitative background.
- What is the salary? €3,204/month in year 1 rising to €4,051/month in year 4 according to CAO-NU scale P, plus an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- How long is the contract? Temporary 18 months, extended for the duration of the project if performance is good.
- What are the language requirements? English at C1 level; an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency may be required.
- What programming skills are needed? Experience with R, Python, or similar for data analysis and quantitative modeling.
- Is travel required? Yes, willingness to travel across Europe is required.
- When is the deadline? 9 October 2026.
- How do I apply? Through the official WUR vacancy page. Only applications submitted through the website will be considered.
- What documents do I need? CV (max 2 pages) and motivation letter (max 1 page), totaling no more than 3 pages.
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I would really love to do this PHD, but I have just seen the call. I have a Msc. In Climate Change and Disaster management.
I also applied to Wageningen sometime back for Msc in Environmental science but was unlucky