Post-doctoral position in Agricultural and Food Economics

Department of Economics
The Department of Economics at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for two-year Post-Doctoral positions to join its research group “Agricultural and Food Economics”. This post-doc project will address policy for sustainable livestock systems (specialized or combined with crop production) and the overall role of livestock in future sustainable food systems. The project will be implemented in an interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers in agricultural economics, environmental communication, sustainability science and technology.

Duties:
In particular, the position is part of a large externally funded programme “SustAinimal - a collaborative research centre exploring the future role of livestock in sustainable and competitive Swedish food production systems”. SustAinimal (www.sustainimal.se) is a research center comprising academia, research institutes and stakeholders from the whole food production value chain in Sweden that with a transdisciplinary approach will increase our knowledge on the role of livestock in future food production. SustAinimal takes account of environmental, social and economic aspects and follows the cutting-edge in research. SustAinimal postulates that change, development, and innovation are necessary to accomplish the required change in society for a competitive agriculture and a future food production that is both resilient and sustainable. Our goal is to provide society with the opportunity to make informed, conscious and independent decisions to produce and consume responsibly.

The position will be placed within the research group Agricultural and Food Economics at the Department of Economics, SLU. In this group, the successful candidate will be offered a stimulating context with colleagues who focus on various aspects of agricultural and food economics, including production economics, consumer economics, agricultural and food policy, and trade. The topics of interest add to the literature in agricultural economics and related fields. We have vivid disciplinary as well as interdisciplinary collaborations, for instance with researchers in technology, crop ecology, animal health and veterinary epidemiology. The group currently consists of about 20 staff-members, including several PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, senior researchers, research assistants, a senior lecturer and a professor.

Successful applicants are expected to (1) actively contribute to the group’s research, in particular by focusing on the post-doc project introduced above ; (2) develop independent research leading to high quality scientific journals’ publications, and (3) eventually apply for external research funding. You may also be expected to supervise students’ theses at all levels and to contribute to other teaching activities within the research area of the group.

Applicants should have a background in applied microeconomics and knowledge of methods used in quantitative analysis. Applicants should have a profile towards agricultural or food economics. The following qualifications are considered of merit for the position:

Experience in spatial modeling techniques using geographic information systems (GIS).

-Experience of linking behavioural theories to economic research.

- Competence and interest in conducting interdisciplinary research and in research approaches that combine field experiments with economic-ecological perspectives, in farm and sustainability analyses and in preference surveys.

- Experience in sustainability measurement with a focus on the agricultural sector and food systems.

- Since the research will be linked to ongoing research focusing on food-producing animals and their role in the transition to a sustainable and competitive food system in a Swedish context, it is of merit to have knowledge of agricultural systems based on semi-natural pastures, and of agricultural and food policy in a Swedish and/or European context. It is also of merit to have knowledge about, or experience in, communication or collaboration between different actors in the food value chain.

Qualifications:
 
We are looking for highly motivated applicants who can work both independently and in teams, is used to taking own initiatives, and have documented experience publishing in high quality scientific journals. Very good skills in English (both written and oral) are required.  Personal characteristics will play a significant role in the recruitment process.

Individuals with a completed Ph.D. (the Ph.D. should have been completed no more than three years ago) are encouraged to apply for this position. Applications should be received by March 31st  at the latest, and should contain: (1) a current CV including publication list, (2) a statement motivating the interest in this particular position (two pages single space maximum), and (3) the name of two references.

Place of work:
Uppsala

Form of employment:
two year post-doctoral position.

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-03-31, use the button below.

Evaluations will start in April. Interviews will likely be conducted in April.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se