Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability Science Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability Science

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

About the position:

We invite applications for a bright, creative, and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS), Sweden. The successful candidate will be part of the project “Is there a PERENNIAL future of agriculture?” funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

The PERENNIAL project investigates whether a shift from annual to perennial grain crops as the basis for food production is possible, and identify the major opportunities and obstacles for such a “perennial revolution”. Since the Neolithic Revolution the world food system has been dominated by annual crops (cereals, legumes, and oil seeds) covering 70% of global croplands. The use of annual plants disrupts agro-ecological processes every season, resulting in soil erosion, nutrient losses, and greenhouse gas emissions from machinery and soils. The costly practices of managing annuals, including a strong dependence on herbicides and mineral fertilisers, partly explain the high indebtedness and low returns in agriculture. A shift from annual to perennial grains that are planted once and harvested for many consecutive years, could revolutionize agriculture and revitalize rural society. It could solve problems associated with annuals and increase the potential for adaptation to climate change. Advances in plant breeding have shown that a shift to perennials is possible within a few decades, but it would challenge powerful vested interests. To investigate the prospects of a perennial revolution, we will: a) conduct a systematic critique of the current political economy of agriculture, b) suggest desirable, viable, and achievable perennial alternatives to annual monocultures, and c) develop a strategy for change. We complement social science expertise with that of plant breeding, agro-ecology, soil, and plant science.

The successful applicant will be appointed for a two-year postdoctoral position, collaborating closely with the project team throughout all stages of data collection and analysis. The position will be supervised by Lennart Olsson, Professor at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS), in collaboration with Elina Andersson, Associate Professor at LUCSUS.

Position instructions:

Research Focus (90%)

The postdoctoral position will study the provision of grain seeds, with a focus on, but not exclusively, sorghum, and we do so in Southern Africa, with a focus on Zimbabwe.

Research questions that will inform the research of the postdoctoral position are:

• How is the provision of grain seeds (and associated knowledge) currently organized; what are the main barriers for introducing novel crops; and what is here the role of the business sector, the government sector, and the non-governmental sector, and why so?
• If perennial varieties of sorghum and other staple food crops were made generally available, how then would that affect various actors?
• How could unintended negative consequences of the introduction of seeds from novel crops be avoided, with a focus on small-scale farmers, local breeders, and seed collectors?

The position involves both desk-based research and fieldwork. Field activities may include surveys, interviews, focus groups, and participatory workshops, and other qualitative or mixed methods. The candidate is expected to take a leading role in, and contributing to, publishing academic articles and popular science communication that arise from the project.

Administrative and Service Focus (10% time)

The main administrative responsibilities include project coordination and reporting, contributing to coordinating workshops, funders reports, and producing outreach materials for stakeholders. The postdoctoral researcher will also engage in science communication activities, such as maintaining regular updates on project progress via the website and social media channels.

There may be opportunities to contribute to teaching and supervision within the LUMES and LUCAS MSc programmes at LUCSUS.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have the following specific qualifications:

• A PhD in sustainability science. Other related fields, such as agroecology, development studies, geography, or political ecology may be considered.
• Familiarity with relevant theories and concepts from fields such as agroecology, political ecology, and critical agri-food studies.
• Demonstrated fieldwork experience, including strong awareness of research ethics and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders and research teams in rural communities.
• Experience with research methods relevant to the project (e.g., qualitative interviews, surveys, participatory methods, and workshops).
• Demonstrated publication record and proven academic writing skills, including leading the preparation of well-argued, clearly written scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Candidates should be fluent in written and spoken academic English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary, inclusive, and international research environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience from and knowledge of participatory plant breeding, seed collection, and seed sharing is an advantage.
• Skills in popular science writing and communication, including blogs and social media.
• Interest in contributing to teaching at LUCSUS and to work with MSc students.

The Post doc is a 2-year position.

Application instructions:

The application should include a well-developed research plan describing their proposed area of research within the broader scope of the project. The plan should clearly articulate the intended focus, the theories and methods to be used, and how the work will contribute to the project aims.

A complete application consists of:

• Cover page (max 1 page): Short statement of motivation and connection with the position, including how this position aligns with the applicant's future career goals. Include name and contact information of applicant.
• CV: Academic and professional background, detailing relevant experience, particularly research and public communication.
• List of Publications: Please separate peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and popular science or outreach publications.
• Research Plan: Project title (max. 20 words), project abstract (max. 200 words), main research proposal text (max.1200 words) including 1. Research question(s) or hypotheses, linked to the project aims 2. Analytical foundations (theories and concepts) 3. Research methods and feasibility and 4. Expected outcomes and contributions in line with the project goals. Applications must be submitted in Times New Roman (12 pt), 1.5 line spacing, and margins 2.5 cm.
• References: Please include names and contact information for three academic or professional references who can speak to your professional and teamwork abilities. At least one reference must be a former or current research supervisor.