Farmers are looking for new crops that can withstand a changing climate. The construction sector must reduce its CO₂ emissions and footprint. Hemp offers an opportunity for both — yet it is not the norm today. Why not? Is it profitable, and for whom? Hemp is one case of a much broader question. Everywhere a chain needs to switch — to new materials, new crops, reuse, or shorter chains — one encounters the same issue: the technology exists, the will is there, but there is much uncertainty about profitability.
Who takes the first step, and who bears the risk? Are you fascinated by this question — not by the crop or material itself, but by the economic feasibility? Do you want to find out what a transition really costs, what it yields, and to whom it accrues? You will start in a European project focusing on hemp, willow, and agroforestry as input for construction, with partners from various countries. An educational institution is responsible for the economic aspect.
This is your first case, not your only one: from there, you will contribute to our research into profitable and circular chains, and bring in your own research background.
What you will do. In the project:
- You will estimate the market size for a product that barely has a market yet, and map out the value chain from farmer to customer.
- You will contribute to the social network analysis of stakeholders in the pilot regions, and to a tool that can also be used outside this project.
- You will lead the assessment report on the economic impact — the report that the consortium will publish.
- You will investigate which collaboration and earning models are needed to make such a chain work: who invests, who bears the risk, and how the revenues are distributed.
- You will work with partners from different countries and communicate smoothly with the project lead.
In the research program:
- You will be part of the research team and contribute to ongoing research within the program.
- Based on what you learn in the project, you will develop methods and approaches to set up new profitable chains — and ensure they are usable outside this one project.
- You will translate this into a broader question: what applies to hemp in construction, does it also apply to other chains that need to transition?
- You will contribute to our research into the profitability of chain transition, new business models, and the distribution of costs and risks.
- You will co-write new project applications, national and European, thereby contributing to the research you are involved in.
- You will take initiative: you will set your own goals and help determine your own focus within the research program.
Profile
- You can assess the economic feasibility of something that barely has a market yet: estimate market size, map out a value chain, and see how costs and benefits are distributed across the links.
- You have a quantitative background: you work easily with data, build well-founded estimates, and can defend the figures behind your conclusions.
- You have solid research experience and are senior enough to independently manage a work package and defend a report to an international consortium.
- You work systematically. In a project with seven partners, fixed reporting moments, and deliverables with a deadline, this is not a minor detail.
- You adapt your communication style to your audience. You move just as easily between a conversation in the field, a consultation with partners, and a written report.
- You are fluent in English, both spoken and written. The consortium works in English.
- You don't give up when the business case isn't yet conclusive. You want to know why not, and what would need to change to make it work.
- You have experience writing project applications, or you want to grow quickly in this area. It is a fixed part of this job, not a side issue.
- You translate your analysis into tools that others can use.
- You believe in knowledge that is socially relevant and concretely applicable.
- Experience in the construction or agri-food chain is a plus, as is experience with European projects or with markets that are still developing.
Practical
- A role where you are substantively responsible for your own package from the start, not just a piece of someone else's work.
- Room to develop your own research focus within an already established agenda.
- Collaboration with an international consortium and with the professional field in the region.
- A warm working environment within the Research and Services Team of the Business & Management Expertise Network.
- Full reimbursement of your commute by public transport and a bicycle allowance (0.21 euro/km).
- An attractive leave scheme.
- Possibilities for remote work with a laptop provided.
- Working in a vibrant city.
How to apply
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