Company description

The UVM Institute for Agroecology (IfA) is seeding more equitable and sustainable food systems. IfA uses a systems approach that addresses the root causes of problems in the food system. We seek to center equity, participation, and social transformation in our research, learning, and action programs across diverse geographies.

Job description

Transforming Regional Food Systems through Agroecology, the Right to Food and Just Transitions

Two-year Postdoctoral Research Position

The UVM Institute for Agroecology is recruiting for a postdoctoral position to work on a participatory action research project focusing on how regional governance can support more just transitions in food systems in New England. The postdoc, working with the Institute for Agroecology and Food Solutions New England, will lead a project to study historic and current regional governance initiatives and examine the complementarity of two frameworks – the Right to Food (RtF) and Agroecology (AE) – in the governance of food system transformation.

We will focus on the New England region and engage with a multi-scalar governance framework to examine the dynamic relationship between actors, institutions, systems, and policies across multiple scales of governance This conceptualization will be further developed and refined through this project.

Regional governance involves multi-actor and cross-sector coordination leading to new institutional arrangements, visions, policy change, and markets while fostering democracy, innovation, and strengthening civil society. New England has a robust history of organizing at a regional scale that merits further study. By partnering with Food Solutions New England, the project will contribute directly to impactful and meaningful outcomes in the region while gleaning insights that can inform theory and practice elsewhere. The research will be based on the following research questions:

What are the dynamic relationships among interconnected and multi-scaled regional governance processes?

The scope, scale and focus of “regional food systems” is interpreted in different ways leading to confusion on how to best govern regional food systems. This project will examine regional governance as interconnected, nested, and overlapping processes that combine public, private and civic governance (figure 1). It will then analyze the relationships between initiatives working at different scales of regional organization (e.g. local-state-regional) and how these can be effectively coordinated to maximize efficacy and potential for food systems transition.

How have regional governance interventions led to changes in policy and practice, and how has this contributed towards more sustainable food systems? What are the conditions that lead to successful outcomes?

We will include an analysis of how race, gender and other dimensions of equity are addressed and how regional governance can better center equity and human rights, including the right to food.

How can the RtF and AE be applied as two complementary frameworks to facilitate the transformative governance of regional food systems?

Regional approaches to food systems have often focused on important economic dimensions of food systems. However, there is a recognized need for transformative change in how we conceptualize, practice and govern food systems. In this context, we will examine how AE and the RtF can be used in regional approaches to center holism, human rights and equity, and address the governance challenges at the root of food system challenges.

The postdoc will be responsible for coordinating and managing the project and leading the data collection, analysis and dissemination efforts. This will include:

• Coordinating an action-research working group made up of academic and civil society partners
• Organizing meetings, focus groups and convenings
• Conducting in person and online interviews
• Desk review of policy documents
• Critical literature reviews

The successful candidate will be expected to publish in both peer reviewed and creative/public facing outlets. Because the community-based participatory action research project is embedded in ongoing efforts to advance regional governance for food system transformation, outputs will be co-determined with partner organizations and co-researchers.

The postdoc will be expected to participate as a part of the IfA Team, which will include allocating 20% of their time towards institute meetings, professional development, contributing to IfA core programs and other institute-related work. This is an opportunity to join a highly collaborative team, to advance this project work within the wider context of the Institute’s vision and mission and to learn through the process.

Compensation and Application Details

See full job description here.

This postdoc is funded by the UVM Food System Research Center’s 2024 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program under the theme of: “Food policy and governance for regional food system sustainability and nutritional security.” The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to interact with other postdocs funded through this program and to benefit from the supportive research environment offered by the Food System Research Center.

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Work visa

This employer is willing to sponsor a work visa for international applicants

Application instructions

Deadline

July 08, 2024