Junior Researcher

Vacancy: Researcher

Make an impact through applied research on commodity trade.

Responsibilities of Researcher

Erasmus Commodity & Trade Centre (ECTC) is looking for a researcher to support the expansion of its applied research portfolio. You will research complex systems and synthesize them into powerful and pragmatic solutions for stakeholders. Are you a proactive colleague who is a quick learner and has the versatility to contribute to research, teaching, and strategic planning? Join us in building the world-class Erasmus Commodity & Trade Centre!

ECTC performs applied research for a wide range of stakeholders including governments, corporates, NGOs and think tanks. Additionally, ECTC has dedicated funding to explore ideas through the development of its own white papers and policy briefs.

The researcher will be responsible for:

• Execute applied research projects under supervision
• Contribute to the development of the research agenda of the ECTC

-Resilient agri-food supply chains

-Security of supply of critical raw materials

-Energy transition

• Teach courses in scenario planning / commodity trading at MSc level
• Manage relationships with our Associated Fellows.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum completed level of education: university master’s degree/PhD in the field of: Business Economics / International Relations/ Political Sciences/ Spatial Studies
• Up to 2 years of relevant work-experience
• Commercial acumen
• Proficiency in analytical skills through the application of mixed methods in interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent writing skills for both scientific and non-scientific publications.
• Ability to communicate complex issues clearly to different audiences and formulate recommendations.
• Interest in teaching
• Interest in commodity trading and its supply chains
• Interest in scenario planning
• Ability to effectively problem solve in a fast paced, international work environment.
• Excellent communicative skills, externally with stakeholders and internally with the team.
• Hands-on, flexible and adaptive attitude.
• Person can work independently.
• Ability to plan, work and meet deadlines independently within remote teams.
• Excellent written and spoken English proficiency.

Preferred skills and experience:

• Experience in (university) education and (university-based) research or consulting.
• Excellent written and spoken Dutch proficiency.
• Experience managing or engaging with a high performing team that works in a dynamic and demanding environment.

Applicants who don’t fulfil the requirements in full, but can show relevant transferable skills, are encouraged to apply. Please attach an explanation with your application.

We Offer

We offer an inspiring people-oriented environment, where individual excellence is stimulated, there is plenty of room for self-fulfillment and further development of the position and where an open and collaborative culture is paramount.

The position is for 0,8-1 fte and comes with several benefits:

• A salary in accordance with scale 10 of the ‘CAO Universiteiten’
• 25 vacation days and 19 ADV days
• A pension with ABP
• Hybrid working options with a guideline of working 3 days at the office and 2 days from home (with a full-time function)
• Possibility to obtain a PhD
• A possibility to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ)

Applications

Are you interested in this position? Be sure to apply before October 12th 2026 by emailing the below to commoditytrade@ese.eur.nl

Be sure to include the following in your application:

• Letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae
• Names of two referees

For more information contact the coordinator of the hiring committee, Reinette Sluijk (sluijk@ese.eur.nl)

• Coordinator: Reinette Sluijk
• Dr Wouter Jacobs
• Robert Horster
• Dr Larissa van der Lugt

About ECTC

ECTC is an international platform with a mission to nurture ideas and talent for tomorrow’s trade through academic education, executive education, and applied research & advisory. We are a part of the globally leading Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), based in one of the world’s main commodity hubs: Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Within the university, we operate under Erasmus UPT, a university company in the university holding. The centre is supported by industry, via contributions to Erasmus Trust Fund, and has partnerships with government, and other academic institutions.

Mission & Vision

MISSION: Nurturing talent and ideas for tomorrow’s trade.

VISION: ECTC as the globally leading university-based platform for knowledge and talent development in commodity trading, at all levels of experience and in all the major trading geographies.

To achieve our mission, we bridge the gap between academia and practice. We do this by connecting students and young professionals with academic experts, seasoned practitioners, and industry leaders.

ECTC activities

Key ECTC activities:

· Academic education

· Executive and professional education

· Applied research & advisory