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Postdoc in Engaging science and society for food system transformation

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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

1mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Entry, Junior & Mid Level
  • Research & Development
    Sustainability
  • Amsterdam

AI generated summary

  • You must have a relevant PhD, experience in co-creation and participatory research, a network of contacts, publication record, teaching skills, and excellent English proficiency.
  • You will conduct research on food system transformation, engage stakeholders, design training tools, supervise PhD candidates, teach, publish findings, and contribute to a collaborative work environment.

Requirements

  • You have a PhD, preferably in the field of food systems, sustainability sciences, science & technology studies, system innovation, transition studies, sociology, policy sciences or another inter-disciplinary field related to societal engagement for sustainability transformation.
  • You have experience and affinity with the co-creation of knowledge and innovation (transdisciplinary research, citizen science, societal engagement) in the context of transformation processes. This could include experience in designing and facilitating focus group discussions, reflection sessions, Living Labs, transition experiments, or communities of practice.
  • You are familiar with participatory research methodologies, such as reflexive monitoring in action, learning histories, most significant change techniques.
  • You hold a network of relevant (inter)national contacts and you are a team player.
  • You have relevant publications in good quality journals that showcase your prowess in scientific research, writing and publication.
  • You have teaching skills and are an engaged and inspiring lecturer, as demonstrated by student evaluations. Teaching experience is a significant asset.
  • You have an excellent command of English.

Responsibilities

  • You will conduct research on evidence-informed decision-making processes and ways to foster societal engagement and innovation for the transformation of the European food system. In this post-doctoral position, your research will specifically contribute to:
  • Supporting and engaging in inter- and transdisciplinary research by fostering debate, encouraging reflexivity to support food system transitions and improve policymaking at all levels, from local to supranational.
  • Investigating public engagement within Policy Labs and Living Labs across Europe.
  • Identifying the training needs of key stakeholders, and designing and implementing tools and training workshops to support their competence development.
  • Contributing to the development of design principles for a novel governance framework based on Quadruple Helix and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles, ensuring adaptability and responsiveness to diverse regional conditions, needs, and priorities.
  • Designing and implementing co-creation activities to identify local needs and priority areas in the food system, and supporting local stakeholders in developing concrete acceleration agendas for food system transformation.
  • Monitoring and evaluating public engagement activities by systematically collecting data and reflexively assessing the implementation of engagement methods and tools to empower citizens and other food system actors.
  • In addition, you will be involved in:
  • Publishing articles in high quality journals. You also communicate research findings and insights via other, more widely accessible forms of writing and presenting.
  • Engaging with stakeholders outside of academia in co-learning processes.
  • Daily supervision of a PhD candidate.
  • Teaching master students, including course coordination and thesis supervision, in courses that are part of the Institute’s transdisciplinary teaching portfolio.
  • Linking up education/research efforts at VU with the real-world issues addressed in co-creative multi-stakeholder initiatives.
  • Contributing to administrative tasks and responsibilities of the Athena Institute.
  • Contributing to a pleasant, diverse, and safe work environment at the Athena Institute.

FAQs

What is the focus of this postdoctoral position?

The focus of this postdoctoral position is on engaging science and society to transform European food systems, addressing significant social, economic, and environmental challenges associated with food production and consumption.

What kind of projects will the postdoc be involved in?

The postdoc will be embedded in three EU-funded projects that address the 'Innovative Governance' destination of Horizon Europe, focusing on new governance approaches to facilitate sustainability transitions.

What are the main duties of the postdoctoral researcher?

The main duties include conducting research on evidence-informed decision-making processes, engaging in inter- and transdisciplinary research, investigating public engagement, identifying training needs, designing co-creation activities, monitoring public engagement, publishing articles, teaching master's students, and contributing to administrative tasks.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates should hold a PhD in fields related to food systems, sustainability sciences, or interdisciplinary studies focused on societal engagement for sustainability transformation, along with relevant research and teaching experience.

Is prior teaching experience required?

Yes, teaching experience is a significant asset for this position, and candidates should demonstrate engagement and effectiveness as a lecturer.

What is the duration of the appointment for this postdoctoral position?

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on adequate performance. The maximum duration of the appointment is four years.

What benefits are offered with this position?

The position offers a salary ranging from €3,378 to €5,331 gross per month, attractive fringe benefits, a total holiday leave of 232 hours per year, an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, a solid pension scheme, and child daycare facilities on campus.

Will the postdoc have opportunities to publish research?

Yes, the postdoc is expected to publish articles in high-quality journals and communicate research findings through various accessible forms.

Is there an expectation for the postdoc to supervise a PhD candidate?

Yes, the postdoc will be responsible for the daily supervision of a PhD candidate.

How does VU Amsterdam support diversity and inclusion?

VU Amsterdam is committed to creating an inclusive community and values diversity in all its forms, believing that diverse backgrounds and experiences enhance the quality of teaching, research, and service.

How can interested candidates apply for this position?

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application via the appropriate application channel as specified in the job announcement, as applications sent via email will not be considered.

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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

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