Post-doctoral fellow in Food System Science and Food Systems Transformations

Subject description
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team and contribute to the EU-projects FoSSNet and GROW projects. The successful candidate will work on developing and implementing a conceptual framework for food systems science, fostering inclusiveness, cooperation, and communication within and across scientific disciplines, and engaging in academia, industry, and civil society. Additionally, the candidate will also work on developing and designing farmer-driven capacity building initiatives to promote a culture of knowledge exchange and food systems thinking in sustainable agricultural practices. The position is based at the Centre of Environmental and Climate Science. The postdoc will be a part of an interdisciplinary research environment with expert knowledge in food systems science, agriculture, biology, social sciences, governance, food engineering etc. 

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The candidate will:

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on food systems science and food systems transformations
• Develop and implement a conceptual framework for food systems science
• Conduct systemic search and surveys to map food systems science network, research projects/agendas and courses/programs in EU
• Analyse such maps to identify high-priority research needs and knowledge gaps in order to develop new food systems science research agendas and curricula
• Foster collaboration and communication within the FoSSNet network
• Initiate, organize, and facilitate capacity building activities for farmers and food systems professionals under the three main thematic areas of regenerative agriculture, digitalization and circular bioeconomy
• Engage with stakeholders from academia, industry, civil society, and policy to co-create solutions
• Contribute to the advancement of public research and innovation policies in food systems transformation
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at conferences

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field Strong background in interdisciplinary research and knowledge of food systems
• Strong skills in systems thinking, systems analysis and social network analysis
• Experience in participatory research, stakeholder engagement and knowledge co-generation
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Additional requirements:

• Knowledge and experience with European research projects and networks
• Knowledge of the European Research Area (ERA) and its K&I governance structures
• Familiarity with transdisciplinary research methods
• Experience in environmental, social-ecological systems research, food systems, land use and policy
• Experience of working/coordinating international research projects
• Experience from teaching in related fields

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research
• Teaching skills

Additional assessment criteria:

• High skills and experience to work in large and international projects and networks
• Work experience in the qualifications needed

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

This employment is today placed at the Centre for Environmental- and climate Science. From January 1st 2026 your employment will be placed at the newly formed department of Earth and Environmental Sciences due to a planned co-organization. This will give you a unique opportunity to be a part of a dynamic development process and give you an opportunity to contribute to a new interdisciplinary department.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV
• List of publications
• a general description of past research area and how this is related to the Post doc position (max 1 page)
• contact information of at least two references
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered