PhD in Economics of Native Species Production and Rural Development in the Cerrado
Explore sustainable markets for native Cerrado species to balance biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods.
Best for:Best for economists, development specialists, or applied researchers with a strong background in causal inference, econometrics, and fieldwork experience in rural or developing regions.
Overview
This PhD position at Wageningen University & Research focuses on investigating how native plant species in the Brazilian Cerrado can be economically harnessed without compromising biodiversity or rural communities. The project, led by researchers in the Netherlands and Brazil, aims to map production chains, assess economic potential, and evaluate sustainable market configurations. The successful candidate will conduct field surveys, analyze geospatial and econometric data, and collaborate with stakeholders to develop policy-relevant insights. Fieldwork in Brazil is a key component, requiring proficiency in Portuguese and a passion for applied research at the intersection of economics, rural development, and conservation.
What you'll do
- Design and implement large-scale household and farm-level surveys in the MATOPIBA region to collect socioeconomic and biodiversity data from smallholder farmers.
- Analyze geospatial and survey data using advanced econometric methods to evaluate the impact of native species production on food security and biodiversity outcomes.
- Conduct workshops and focus group discussions with local stakeholders to analyze the political economy of native species markets.
- Write research papers and present findings at international academic conferences.
- Collaborate with research partners in Brazil and the Netherlands to disseminate project results.
- Develop independent research questions within the broader project objectives.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in agricultural economics, development economics, agricultural sciences, or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Portuguese (C1 level); English (C1 level)
Instruction: English
- Proven interest and expertise in agricultural economics, rural development, and biodiversity conservation
- Strong affinity with causal inference and econometric methods, including impact evaluation
- Proficiency in statistical software such as R, Stata, or Python
- Experience with data collection in rural areas, including field biodiversity data
- Excellent communication skills in Portuguese (C1 level)
- Ability to conduct fieldwork under rural conditions
- No formal eligibility restrictions beyond degree requirements; open to international applicants
- Fieldwork in Brazil will be required, so applicants must be willing to travel and work in rural conditions
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-28
Applicants must submit a complete application package, including a CV, a motivation letter, a research proposal, and copies of academic transcripts. Additionally, proof of Portuguese proficiency (C1 level) may be required. Applications should be sent via the university’s online portal.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal
- Copies of academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Proof of Portuguese proficiency (C1 level)
- 3 reference letters
Contact
Dr. Jorge Sellare / Dr. Verina Ingram· Supervisors
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