Recruitment Overview

The Fully Funded PhD Fellowships in Robotic Intercropping represent one of Europe’s most advanced initiatives in sustainable agriculture research. Supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, this five-year program brings together robotics, artificial intelligence, ecological modelling, and plant science to redesign how crops grow and interact in climate-smart systems.

These fellowships are ideal for students aiming to contribute to the next generation of biodiversity-friendly and resource-efficient agricultural systems. By joining this cutting-edge research consortium, applicants gain access to high-tech greenhouses, field stations, advanced modelling infrastructures, and an international team of leading scientists.

Vision and Scientific Goals

The overarching objective of the Robotic Intercropping initiative is to integrate robotics, digital twins, AI-driven decision tools, and proximal sensing with ecological and plant science frameworks. The initiative aims to create intercropping systems that:

• Improve biodiversity and ecological resilience
• Enhance nutrient cycling and soil health
• Increase productivity through optimized plant collaboration
• Reduce input requirements such as fertilizers and pesticides
• Support a climate-smart agricultural transition worldwide

Partner Institutions and Collaborative Framework

The program is a collaboration between leading European research institutions:

• University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
• Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands)
• Technical University of Denmark
• University of Southern Denmark

Every selected PhD fellow becomes part of a dynamic cohort of researchers, ensuring constant interdisciplinary exchange.

Available Positions Under the Fellowship Program

The program offers five fully funded positions, split between UCPH and WUR.

Three PhD Fellowships at University of Copenhagen (UCPH)

Position 1 – Crop Yield and Resource Use Efficiency

This role focuses on understanding how service crops can be managed through robotic cutting strategies to boost the resource availability of cash crops. The research explores:

• Interactions between light, nutrient, and water availability
• Yield optimization in intercropped systems
• Mechanized crop management

Position 2 – Spatial and Temporal Crop Arrangements

This position examines how varying planting densities, spacing patterns, and sowing schedules influence yield and weed suppression. Key tasks include:

• Designing spatial and temporal intercropping models
• Understanding crop-weed competition
• Evaluating ecological resilience metrics

Position 3 – Nutrient Cycling and Microbial Dynamics

This PhD investigates nutrient transfer processes, microbial interactions, and soil ecological functions within intercropping systems. Research includes:

• Monitoring microbial biodiversity
• Assessing nitrogen fixation and nutrient flows
• Examining plant–microbe–soil feedbacks

Two PhD Fellowships at Wageningen University & Research (WUR)

Position 1 – Experimental Intercropping for Climate-Smart Systems

This role involves multi-year field experiments exploring how service crops and cash crops interact under robotic management. Areas of focus:

• Biodiversity enhancement
• Productivity and resilience
• Robotic trimming, spacing, and sensing

Position 2 – Modelling Plant Competition Using 3D FSPM

This position specializes in functional-structural plant modelling to understand:

• Above- and below-ground competition
• Robotic interventions in plant systems
• Digital twin-based simulations

Qualifications and Experience Required

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold a relevant MSc degree in areas such as:

• Agroecology
• Plant or crop science
• Soil science
• Computational biology
• Environmental modelling
• Plant ecophysiology

Technical and Research Skills

Ideal candidates have experience with one or more of the following:

• Field experimentation
• Crop modelling (especially 3D FSPM)
• Remote sensing technologies
• Soil–plant–microbe studies
• Statistical analysis or biostatistics

Preferred Competencies

While not mandatory, the program favors applicants who demonstrate:

• A strong interest in climate-smart agriculture
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary settings
• Strong analytical and communication skills

General Instructions for Applicants

Application Materials and Document Format

Applicants must prepare:

• A detailed CV
• Motivation letter clearly indicating preferred position
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Contact information for referees
• Research experience summary

Documents must be uploaded in PDF format through each university’s application portal.

Evaluation Procedure

Applications will be assessed on:

• Academic excellence
• Research motivation
• Relevant skills and experience
• Fit with the specific PhD project

International Mobility and Language Requirements

• English proficiency at C1 level is required.
• Danish or Dutch language skills are not necessary.
• All positions include international travel for joint research activities.

How to Apply for the Five PhD Fellowships

Application Steps for UCPH

Apply online via the University of Copenhagen portal: Click Here

Application Steps for WUR

Submit your application via the Wageningen University portal: Click Here

Important Deadline and Timeline

• Application Deadline: 14 December 2025
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after the deadline.
• Final selections will be communicated based on institutional timelines.

FAQs

1. Are these PhD programs fully funded?
   Yes, all five positions include full funding, salary, and research support.
2. Can applicants choose more than one position?
   Applicants must clearly choose one position when applying.
3. Is prior field experience required?
   No, modelling or lab experience is equally valued.
4. Are international research stays included?
   Yes, joint research between UCPH and WUR is mandatory.
5. What language level is required?
   A minimum C1 level in English is necessary.
6. Can non-EU applicants apply?
   Yes, all nationalities are welcome and visa support is provided.

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