2 to 4 Postdocs in Sustainability Transitions, Public Policy, and Modelling in the European Agri-food and Land Use System

The recently funded project Science-based policies for a sustainable European agri-food and land use system (SEAL) at the University of Copenhagen (located in the Department of Food and Resource Economics) invites applicants for 2 to 4 postdoc positions for a two-year period in Sustainability Transitions, Public Policy, and Modelling in the European Agri-food and Land Use System. The positions may be extended based on performance and funding.

The project Science-based policies for a sustainable European agri-food and land use system (SEAL) – see website for more details – is financed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and involves collaboration with researchers from Utrecht University and Wageningen University. The ultimate aim of SEAL is to support a transition to a sustainable agri-food and land use system that secures food and biomass production, reduces climate impacts, and enhances biodiversity protection. With a focus on EU-national relations, SEAL will analyse connections between policies, technology development and adoption, and transition pathways within the agri-food and land use system. SEAL has a strong emphasis on societal impact through targeted network building and stakeholder engagement in policymaking and beyond.

The positions are connected to the three core research work packages (WPs) in the project. WP1 focuses on EU and national policies. Based on policy document analysis and in-depth qualitative case studies, SEAL will map and analyse the ambitiousness of selected agri-food and land use policies across selected EU member states. WP2 is concerned with innovation and adoption dynamics, including analysing the conditions and mechanisms that contribute to tipping points characterised by significant tempo-shifts in both decline of old technologies and adoption of new solutions. WP3 addresses transition scenarios and will re-assess models of transitions in the agri-food and land use system, taking into consideration assumptions about the roles of policies and technology dynamics.

Candidates should note in the application which (one or more) work package(s) they are interested in contributing to.

In addition to this specific project, the postdocs’ duties may include teaching as well as participation in other related projects. The position may also include performance of other duties (e.g. public sector service and supervision of BSc and MSc students).

The successful candidates should have:

• A PhD in a social science field relevant to one or more of the working packages (applicants expected to obtain their PhD degrees around the start of the position can also apply)
• Strong qualitative and/or quantitative analytical skills
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and an open mindset towards this
• Good communication skills, both for scientific communication and broader
• Preferably, experience of relevance to the topic, e.g., on multi-level governance, policy mixes, diffusion of innovation, sustainability transitions, agrifood and land use system modelling.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Teis Hansen teis.hansen@ifro.ku.dk.

The position is open from April 1st 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of up to 3 particularly relevant papers or other publications

The deadline for applications is February 5th, 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held towards the end of February.