A groundbreaking international research opportunity is now open under the Robotic Intercropping Project, a 5-year initiative funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This program offers five fully funded PhD fellowships, including three positions at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) and two at Wageningen University & Research (WUR).
If you’re passionate about sustainable agriculture, agroecology, plant science, crop modelling, soil microbial ecology, or robotics in agriculture, these fully funded PhD fellowships in Robotic Intercropping represent a rare chance to contribute to the next generation of climate-smart agricultural systems.
About the Robotic Intercropping Project
The Robotic Intercropping (RI) initiative integrates advanced technologies such as:
- Robotics
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital twins
- Proximal sensing
- Ecological modelling
The primary goal is to design and optimize biodiversity-friendly, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient intercropping systems.
Project Partners
- University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands)
- University of Southern Denmark
- Technical University of Denmark
This multi-institution consortium will advance how service crops, cash crops, and robotic systems collaborate to enhance soil health, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and food security.
Three Fully Funded PhD Fellowships at the (UCPH)
Located in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, these PhD roles focus on plant science, ecology, and crop system performance. Each PhD fellow will also conduct part of their research in collaboration with Wageningen University.
PhD Position 1 – Crop Yield & Resource Use Efficiency in Robotic Intercropping
Research Focus:
- Cutting strategies for service crops
- Optimizing light, nutrient, and water availability
- Enhancing cash crop yields
Supervisors:
- Prof. Svend Christensen (UCPH)
- Dr. Dirk van Apeldoorn (WUR)
PhD Position 2 – Spatial & Temporal Crop Arrangements for Yield & Weed Suppression
Research Focus:
- Plant spacing, density, and sowing time
- Designing spatial/temporal crop dynamics
- Understanding crop–weed competition
Supervisors:
- Prof. Svend Christensen (UCPH)
- Assoc. Prof. Signe Marie Jensen (UCPH)
- Prof. Jonne Rodenburg (WUR)
PhD Position 3 – Nutrient Cycling & Soil Microbial Dynamics
Research Focus:
- Nutrient flows in intercropping systems
- Soil microbial interactions
- Impact of service crops (e.g., alfalfa) on wheat, faba bean, etc.
Supervisors:
- Prof. Svend Christensen (UCPH)
- Asst. Prof. Veronica Hansen (UCPH)
- Asst. Prof. Stephanie Watts-Fawkes (WUR)
Contact:
- Prof. Svend Christensen: wpg616@ku.dk
- Katharina Vollheyde: wgb587@ku.dk
UCPH Benefits
- Fully funded 3-year PhD contract
- Modern greenhouse & field research facilities
- International research stay at Wageningen University
- Membership in a cohort of 11 PhDs + multiple postdocs
- Based at Taastrup Campus, Copenhagen
Two Fully Funded PhD Fellowships at Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
WUR is globally recognized for its leadership in agricultural sciences and modelling. These positions focus on experimental field research and functional-structural crop modelling.
Position #1 – Experimental Intercropping for Climate-Smart Systems
Research Focus:
- Multi-year field experiments
- Service crop–cash crop combinations
- Robotic management strategies
- Biodiversity, productivity, and resilience
Supervisors:
- Dr. Luuk Croijmans
- Dr. Dirk van Apeldoorn
- Prof. Niels Anten (with UCPH co-supervision)
Position #2 – Modelling Plant Competition Using 3D FSPM
Research Focus:
- Functional-structural plant models (FSPM)
- Above- and below-ground competition
- Integrating robotics with crop modelling
Supervisors:
- Dr. Franca Bongers
- Prof. Jochem Evers (with UCPH co-supervision)
Contacts:
- For Position 1: Prof. Niels Anten – niels.anten@wur.nl
- For Position 2: Prof. Jochem Evers – jochem.evers@wur.nl
WUR Benefits
- Fully funded PhD position
- Salary up to €3,881/month (Year 4)
- Visa support & relocation assistance
- Training in modelling & robotics tools
- Access to Europe’s greenest and most innovative campus
Eligibility Criteria – Who Should Apply?
Candidates must hold an MSc degree in one or more fields:
- Agroecology
- Plant or crop science
- Soil science
- Plant ecophysiology
- Biostatistics
- Computational biology
- Environmental modelling
Preferred Skills
- Field experiment experience
- 3D plant modelling
- Remote sensing
- Soil–plant–microbe ecology
Not mandatory—but strong interest in the research topic is essential.
How to Apply:
1️⃣ Apply for University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Positions
Submit your application online:
🔗 APPLY NOW
https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=3010&ProjectId=153546&DepartmentId=20054&MediaId=4918&SkipAdvertisement=true
2️⃣ Apply for Wageningen University (WUR) Positions
Submit your application via WUR:
🔗 APPLY NOW
https://www.wur.nl/en/respond-to-vacancy-page.htm?vacancyurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.connexys.nl%2Fwageningenurpublic%2Frun%2Fregister%24.startup%3Fz_f_taal%3D2%26z_kan_advertentie_id%3D173538
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are these PhD positions fully funded?
Yes. All five positions at UCPH and WUR are fully funded and include salary and research expenses.
2. Do applicants need to choose a specific PhD project?
Yes. Your application must specify which of the five positions you are applying for.
3. Do I need field experience?
No. Field experience is useful but not mandatory. Relevant modelling or lab skills are equally valuable.
4. Will the PhD include international travel?
Yes. Collaboration and international research stays with partner institutions are mandatory.
5. What language requirements apply?
English at C1 level (spoken and written). Danish or Dutch is not required.
Conclusion:
The Fully Funded PhD Fellowships in Robotic Intercropping provide an exceptional opportunity to contribute to climate-smart agriculture, ecological modelling, and robotic innovations in crop systems.
This joint program between the University of Copenhagen and Wageningen University & Research is one of the most advanced agricultural research initiatives in Europe—ideal for students passionate about plant science, robotics, sustainability, and ecological resilience.
📅 Apply before 14 December 2025 and help shape the future of sustainable agriculture.
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