Wageningen University is seeking highly motivated PhD students to join their team as part of the interdisciplinary Oil-Clips program and research on the Impact of Collective Disease Management on Plant Pathogen Epidemics.
Bud Rot, caused by Phytophthora palmivora, is a devastating disease threatening oil palm plantations, particularly in Latin America. The disease is currently being managed with rigorous integrated pest management, including planting a partially resistant oil palm variety. However, these measures are not equally accessible to every grower, and the availability of a partially resistant oil palm variety can lead to a (false) sense of security. Because the pathogen is airborne, it can easily spread between neighboring plots hence disease management on adjacent farms mutually affect each other.
Candidates will monitor the spread and incidence of Bud Rot disease, comparing areas with local collective disease management with areas where individual smallholders take different measures to prevent outbreaks within one region in Colombia. Based on this data, they will extend existing models that calculate the risk of Bud Rot outbreaks to include spillover effects between plots. In addition to performing field experiments and modeling, they will gather and interpret data about the social factors that may enable or constrain the strengthening of collective disease management.
Salary
The Impact of Collective Disease Management on Plant Pathogen Epidemics position offers:
- The gross salary for the first year is € 2.872,- per month rising to € 3.670 at the end of the month
- 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 they can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
- Special benefits, include an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer.
Job Requirements
for the PhD Position on impact of collective disease management on plant pathogen epidemics
- A completed master’s degree in phytopathology, agro-economy, or a related discipline;
- Proven affinity and experience with mathematical modeling;
- Motivation to study the social organization of disease management practices in the field/on the farm;
- Skills and commitment to work in an interdisciplinary research programme and motivation to contribute to the overall programme;
- Demonstrable communicative and reporting skills.
Application Process
The application should include:
- A cover letter no longer than one page, and
- A three-page Curriculum Vitae.
To apply for the PhD Position on the Impact of Collective Disease Management on Plant Pathogen Epidemics, click here.
Deadline: December 02, 2024.
For more information on the Impact of Collective Disease Management on Plant Pathogen Epidemics, visit the official site.
