Are you interested in the impact that global and local supply chains have on social aspects? Are you puzzled by the intricacies of real supply chain networks? Do you enjoy theorizing about complex phenomena but are you at the same time a data-driven person? This trail-blazing project on assessing the social sustainability of complex supply chains could then be a great opportunity for you.

Background of the project: The sustainability of supply chains becomes increasingly important. Yet, assessing the sustainability performance of complex supply chains is challenging. In supply chains with multiple flow streams interacting with a variety of actors, the boundaries of what constitutes the supply chain as well as how sustainability aspects of the supply chain are impacted become blurry. Therefore, it is not straightforward how to define the unit of analysis for measuring the various sustainability aspects. This is especially true when considering social sustainability. The impact of flows within the supply chain on social aspects can go beyond the effect those flows may have on the actors that are influencing the performance of the supply chain, thereby affecting stakeholders not directly involved in the supply chain operations.

In this PhD project, you will develop and apply a framework for social sustainability assessment of complex supply chains encountered for agrifood and pharmaceuticals. In addition, you will study which supply chain outcomes, either economic, environmental, or social, are key in determining the overall social impact.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair Operations Research and Logistics (www.wur.eu/orl), which is led by Prof. Sander de Leeuw. You will be co-supervised by dr. Ellen Slegers and dr. Rodrigo Romero-Silva.

The group consists of 13 academics and a brilliant team of PhD students focusing their research on operations and supply chain issues in food and bio-based supply chains. Within this scope, the core research areas of the group are:

• operations and supply chain performance analysis;
• the strategic configuration of network structures;
• the tactical and operational planning of material flows.

In addition to traditional efficiency goals, our research also aims to improve sustainability, product quality and safety, as well as health and nutrition. Current examples of research are the design and operation of circular supply chains, the management of disruptions in food supply chains, the connection between changing diets and sustainable supply chain design, the operations in omni-channel retail, the management of not-for-profit supply chains, and supply chain planning to minimize waste

First and foremost, you are a thinker and doer who is able to develop concepts on their own.

You also have :

• a successfully completed MSc degree in a relevant discipline such as Operations/Supply Chain Management, Systems Engineering & Management, Complex Systems Science or similar study with a focus on quantitative methods for systems analysis and design;
• first and foremost, you are a thinker and doer who is able to develop concepts on their own;
• ability to give structure to complex, real-world problems;
• interest in mapping and quantitatively measuring complex supply chain networks;
• an open mind to consider a multi-disciplinary approach;
• an eagerness to further develop methods for social sustainability assessment.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 December 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 € 2.872,- per month rising to € 3.670,- 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.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
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. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, 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.

Wageningen University & Research

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.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Ellen Slegers, ellen.slegers@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, corporate recruiter, recruitment.ssg@wur.nl .

Do you want 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.

Along with your CV, you should include a cover letter of maximum 600 words explaining why you think are the best candidate for this position, in which you highlight key examples showing your relevant competences for this project. Selected candidates will be invited for a first online interview where they give a 10 minute presentation discussing their vision for the project.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 2 December 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews soon after the closing date.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.