The European Union increasingly funds research projects on the condition that they apply a 'multi-actor approach', based on the insight that sustainability solutions need to be built in situ with all relevant actors involved. This requires a different project organization than in analysis-oriented research. Here we ask ourselves how project governance and management contribute to research results that are useful for sustainability changes. This question is addressed by evaluating how in a large Horizon 2020 project the various project components were organized from the perspective of contributing effectively to enhancing crop diversification.

In the DiverIMPACTS project (which ends June 2022) research and innovation is organized around 25 crop diversification case studies (https://www.diverimpacts.net/). Case study dynamics are structured on a common 'co-innovation' approach, involving iterative cycles of action, observation of results, and reflection to feed next actions. The learning cycles were described using various monitoring methods, such as the writing of Learning Histories. Other scientific methods were mobilized to support identification and overcoming of barriers to crop diversification, to measure progress indicators in the case studies, and to connect insights to relevant networks. The final year of the project provides the opportunity to draw lessons from the major efforts that have gone into crafting useable knowledge.

Analysis at the case study level is being performed to describe and understand innovation processes. Complementarily, the postdoc will work at the project level to analyse project context as condition for unfolding of effective multi-actor approaches. Methodologically, the combination of realist evaluation and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is one of the methodological approaches considered. Other approaches (complexity theory, sustainability transition experiments, etc.) may apply. Mostly qualitative data are available from project documents. Additional information may be collected through interviews with scientific and non-scientific project participants, surveys, or specifically designed workshop settings before the end of the project.

In the post-doc project, you will work with highly motivated international agronomists and sociology of innovation scientists. In particular, close collaboration is foreseen with INRAE in France. Results are expected to be published in a high level scientific journal. Ultimate aim is to contribute insights for more effective design of project structures in research and innovation actions.

Next to your own scientific project, you will contribute to other ongoing work related to effective project design, such as supporting the case studies through feedback on your analytical results.

• You are highly motivated in the topic of research-for-impact and hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline, such as science and technology studies, sociology of innovation, or agro-ecology with strong social science components. Experience in qualitative and quantitative research is required. Previous experiences in one the mentioned methodological approaches is a bonus.
• You are output-oriented and do not get distracted by details.
• You enjoy scientific writing in English and have high-quality examples that show this.
• You have worked in the context of a European project and have experience in participatory research

CAO WU
A challenging position with, depending on your education and experience, a competitive salary.
We offer a contract for one and a half year. In addition, an appointment of 0.8 FTE is negotiable.

In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a flexible working time: the possibility to work a maximum of 2 hours per week extra and thereby to build up extra leave;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented;
• use the sports facilities on campus (IF APPLICABLE)

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment.
We offer a versatile job in an international environment with varied activities in 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 16th 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. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. 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 helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University and 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, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen's unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.

Read the 5 reasons why your future collaegues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video 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.