Wageningen University is looking for postdoc researchers who will contribute to the development of agroecology (Agroecological Innovation Hubs)on farms in Europe by bringing together scientific and experiential knowledge.
Candidates will do this by shaping and scientifically analyzing a research-in-action project that aims to support ‘innovation hub’ actors in their efforts to overcome barriers and lock-ins. They will participate in a vibrant European network with a focus on addressing climate change, biodiversity, and socio-economic sustainability at the farm and regional levels.
The “Trans-disciplinary approaches for systemic economic, ecological and climate change transitions” (Agroecology-TRANSECT) Horizon Europe research and innovation project aims to contribute to releasing the full potential of agroecology for European agriculture by strengthening the knowledge base for farmers and advisors and supporting policymakers. It aims to deliver robust evidence of the benefits of agroecology on climate change mitigation, biodiversity, and farm socio-economic resilience. To achieve these objectives, Agroecology-TRANSECT supports the transition to agroecology through co-innovation methodology including a transdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and societal actors. The project operates in European landscapes with a diverse range of crop, animal, and integrated crop-livestock systems, and strongly contrasting biogeographical and socio-economic contexts.
Tasks
- Act as a monitor of the 11 Innovation Hubs (IHs) around Europe, and for this purpose attend the annual Co-innovation workshops and project meetings and the intermediary video calls
- Scientifically analyze researcher – IH actor collaboration to enhance theory on transition experiments
- Support the IH learning by the feedback of results
Salary
A few highlights from Their Collective Labour Agreement include:
- a competitive salary depending on education and experience of a minimum € 2.960,- to a maximum € 4.670;
- sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- the option to accrue additional compensation/holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
Job Requirements
Applicants for Postdoc – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning in Agroecological Innovation Hubs must meet the following criteria:
- A PhD in human geography; science and technology studies; sociology of innovation; knowledge, technology, and innovation; sustainability sciences, or similar.
- Knowledge of / clear interest in agroecological systems.
- Proven experience with qualitative and quantitative social science methods, such as realist project evaluation, qualitative comparative analysis, or multifactorial analysis.
- A proven scientific ambition, proven performance in scientific writing, and a strong ambition to publish (candidates are invited to provide 1 or 2 examples of their written work).
- An ambition to work as an engaged researcher in action-oriented settings.
- Ability to communicate effectively with different scientific disciplines and actors from different fields of agriculture within Europe.
- Ability to function as a team member, and participate in project meetings and discussions.
- An interest to supervise MSc thesis students working on the same topic.
Application Process
Interested applicants are to send their application via the apply button below and include the following:
- an application/motivation letter,
- a detailed CV (Europass),
- contact details of referees,
- a publication list.
To apply, click here.
Deadline: December 20, 2022.
For more information on Postdoc – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning in Agroecological Innovation Hubs visit the official site.
