The Development Economics group at Wageningen University & Research invites applications for an Assistant Professor in development economics, beginning in July 2025 (or a later agreed upon date). We seek an enthusiastic and high-quality colleague, with expertise in empirical and/or theoretical development economics, to complement our team.

As Assistant Professor, you will be expected to:

• develop and implement research projects and publish in top (field) journals in economics;�
• develop and teach courses, in collaboration with colleagues, and supervise PhD students and BSc and MSc theses;�
• acquire funding to realize your research agenda;
• contribute to a lively, friendly, and inclusive working and learning environment.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair, Development Economics, which is led by prof.dr.ir. Erwin Bulte . In 2024, Wageningen University and Research was ranked the 7th best university in the world for development studies. Within the Development Economics group, our mission is to contribute to an improved understanding of what enables equitable economic development, through conducting research on sustainable development, institutions, conflict, and poverty alleviation. We aim to generate knowledge about which policies work to reduce poverty and inequality, to share our findings with the relevant stakeholders, and to train new generations of researchers and practitioners. The group is also known for its ambitious and collegial culture, with ample support for personal and professional development and for internal faculty promotion.

To be considered, applicants must hold a PhD in Economics, or a related field, with a focus on development.

In addition, their written application material must demonstrate:

• ability to publish in leading academic journals;�
• ability to work in interdisciplinary and international research teams;�
• excellent communication and writing skills;�
• excellent quantitative research skills;
• good didactic qualities and enthusiasm for teaching and working with students;�
• commitment to learn Dutch (for non-Dutch speakers) within 2 years of appointment.

You will be expected to grow to more senior functions within the group as part of the academic career framework. Promotion is based on an evaluation of research, teaching, project acquisition, outreach, and academic services.

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

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and 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;
• excellent pension scheme.

You will be offered a fixed term contract and evaluated after 18 months based on criteria in the University’s Academic Career Framework policy; a positive evaluation leads to a permanent (tenured) employment contract. Depending on your experience, we offer a gross monthly salary between €4,492 and €6,148 for a full-time position (38 hours per week) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 11), plus an annual 16.3% (holiday + annual) bonus.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. 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 Holland, 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. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, 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 Erwin Bulte, Professor and head of the Development Economics group, at erwin.bulte@wur.nl or Maarten Voors, Associate Professor, at maarten.voors@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.

Applicants should provide a:

• CV;
• cover letter;
• writing sample (job market paper;
• research statement, teaching statement;
• and if applicable a teaching portfolio summarizing courses taught and student evaluations;
• Three reference letters are also needed. These must be sent by the reference letter writers to reference.dec@wur.nl, before the application deadline (below).

The application portal will remain open until 19 December midnight (CET), 2024. We hope to schedule the first round of virtual interviews for the end of January 2025, and to conduct flyouts in February.

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.