The University of Vermont is excited to announce a cluster-hire of post-doctoral associates with a focus on measuring local and regional sustainable food systems. The two-year positions (with potential option for renewal) will work with UVM faculty in collaboration with US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and will be based at UVM, in conjunction with the ARS Food Systems Research Unit. The post-doctorate associates will work on a specific project funded to benchmark Clussustainability indicators and metrics to assess the comprehensive sustainability of local and regional food systems in the Northeast. Furthermore, each project will coordinate across teams to develop a common framework that can measure food system sustainability in other local and regional scales. The expected start dates for the hires are expected to be in the fall 2023 or early winter of 2024. All successful applicants will be expected to hold a PhD at the time of appointment in a relevant field and demonstrate academic excellence as evidenced through publications, conference presentations and collaborative engagement. Additional qualifications, position descriptions, compensation, benefits and instructions for applying are detailed below.
Please note:Inquiries about specific positions should be directed to the UVM faculty listed in the position descriptions, but please do not send your application materials to them. Application instructions are included below the position descriptions.
Available Positions
Position 1: Sustainability Metrics for Consumer-Facing Agriculture
Overview
Consumer Facing Agriculture (CFA) is an important part of Vermont’s agricultural economy, working landscape, and culture. CFA in Vermont, which we define as farms that sell directly to consumers (via farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture programs, farm stands, etc.) and/or practice agritourism (farms, ranches, and vineyards that host visitors for experiences and product sales, including on-farm direct sales, entertainment, education, recreation, and hospitality). Our geographic focus will be the state of Vermont, given that the PI and co-PIs work at the state’s Land Grant University and the five community partners all are Vermont-based. We intend to measure all five dimensions of sustainability: environmental, production, social, economic, and human. We recognize that farmers are over-surveyed, and we will address this by compensating them for their time and minimizing their time commitment (in part by coordinating with other funded projects). Second, we seek measures that will vary across time and between respondents (both in our samples in those of other projects) and that create actionable, high-leverage opportunities for farm management, communication, and future research and outreach. Third, we will prioritize building upon measures the farmers already collect and/or aspire to better understand. We will utilize a mix of case study, survey and secondary data methods. In conjunction with the other funded projects, we will create scorecards for each dimension. This will consist of measures that farmers say are important, that they can measure with relative ease, and that are actionable and high leverage. We will disseminate our results in various ways. We will make the scorecards available on UVM websites along with easily understood explanations for farmers, policy makers, and other lay audiences. For academic audiences, we anticipate at least two peer-reviewed articles in peer-reviewed open access journals. We will create summaries and fact sheets for lay audiences. We will present at professional research societies using professional development funds, as well as non-academic Vermont-based meetings like the Farm to Plate Gathering and NOFA-VT annual conference.
This position will work with Dr. David Conner at University of Vermont in Community Development and Applied Economics. Inquiries about this specific position should be sent to Dr. David Conner at david.conner@uvm.edu.
Qualifications
We seek a post-doctoral scholar with expertise in one or more of the following:
· PhD in social science (economics, sociology, anthropology, etc.) sustainability science, food systems or related discipline
· Expertise and experience with applied, community-engaged, transdisciplinary research
· Mixed methods research (interview, focus group, survey, secondary data analysis, statistics).
· Ability to work in a transdisciplinary team which include social and biophysical scientists and Extension faculty
· Ability to translate diverse data sets into coherent and useful outputs
Position 2: Social Values, Identity, and Sustainability Outcomes: Measuring Social Processes in Agriculture
Overview
This project aims to fill a critical gap in the understanding of food systems sustainability: the measurement of the social dimension of agricultural production. The project will test a method for measuring farmer and stakeholder values and how those values drive farmer decisions. Widespread agreement exists that value orientations and their interaction with economic and policy institutions are critical to understanding the processes behind how and why sustainable outcomes are or are not achieved. However, without quantitative metrics of food system stakeholders’ values, analyses of food system sustainability will continue to overlook critical drivers of sustainability outcomes: human decision-making and the institutions that enable or hinder the realization of values. This project will develop a survey module that captures farmers’ values across a range of production systems, analyze the relationship between farmer values and sustainability outcomes, and identify institutional and policy mechanisms that impede farmers from enacting their values.
This position will work with Drs. Joe Ament, Dan Tobin, and Isaac Leslie at University of Vermont. Inquiries about this specific position should be sent to Dr. Joe Ament at jament@uvm.edu.
Qualifications
We are recruiting for a scientist with PhD in hand with a background in survey methodology, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and statistical methods. Our ideal candidate will also have a background in systems theory, food systems, mixed methods approaches, policy analysis, alternative demographic measurements, and social theory. This project is a 3-year project with many moving parts that will collaborate with other similar projects and community partners. We, therefore, prefer someone who has experience acting as a liaison between projects and community partners, and someone who has experience managing a scientific project.
Position 3: Plant-based Proteins as Part of Sustainable Food Systems in the Northeast
Overview
This project aims to quantify specific metrics related to economic, environmental, human, and social aspects of the production and consumption of a select array of plant-based protein foods in the Northeastern (NE) United States. We will carry out a transdisciplinary collaboration between university researchers and community partners to collect, analyze, synthesize and report based on primary and secondary data for the purpose of studying and examining:
1. the extent to which VT and the Northeast (NE) region can produce plant-based protein foods;
2. historical, current, and stated demand for plant-based protein foods in VT and the NE, and their association with selected human and social food system metrics;
3. consumer perceptions of plant-based protein foods vis-a-vis meat and other animal protein food in the NE;
4. manufacturer capability of, interest in, and perceived/actual profitability of producing value-added plant-based protein foods;
5. farmer perceptions of producing plant-based proteins as part of their agricultural enterprise; and
6. environmental sustainability implications related to water quality and climate change for an increase in plant-based protein crop production.
Guiding Research Question: “Is it possible for greater production and consumption of plant-based proteins to be part of a more sustainable local/regional northeastern food system?”
This position will work with Dr. Jane Kolodinsky and Andrew May at University of Vermont. Inquiries about this specific position should be directed to Dr. Jane Kolodinsky at jane.kolodinsky@uvm.edu.
Qualifications
We seek to add a post-doctoral hire to our team who will be able to contribute significantly to the success of the Plant-based Proteins project, and should possess the following necessary qualifications:
· Expertise in food systems research
· Experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection, management, and analysis
· Strong interdisciplinary project management skills
· Adept at data analysis and developing team-based outputs
· Ability to triangulate different datasets, work with various data types, and be familiar with statistical packages
· Systems thinker with knowledge of plant-based proteins and multi-dimensional forms of sustainability (human and environmental health, economics, and production)
· Willingness to work collaboratively on a large, transdisciplinary project
· Ability to handle all aspects of a research project, from literature review to dissemination
Position 4: Maple Sustainability Indicators Initiative
Overview
The Maple Sustainability Indicators Initiative will develop a multi-dimensional framework for measuring maple syrup food system (FS) sustainability encompassing the interactions between maple producers, forests, markets, consumers, and communities across the Northeast U.S. The project will establish a system to collect, analyze, and integrate indicators from 2024-2026 and prepare a ten-year plan for the continuation of both routine and episodic monitoring programs. Our project team will advance methods, research, and stakeholder participation in the sustainability dimensions of production, environment, human wellbeing, social groups, and economics in order to begin the food systems monitoring programs.
We seek a post-doctoral scholar to join our team and contribute to all phases of research and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have the capacity to synthesize methods and data within a transdisciplinary team to produce academic outputs. Candidates must demonstrate the capacity to interact with maple producers, business leaders and community stakeholders.
This position will work with project director Mark Cannella and Drs. Anthony D’Amato and Qingbin Wang at University of Vermont. Inquiries about this specific position should be sent to Mark Cannella at Mark.Cannella@uvm.edu (802) 881-1576.
Qualifications and Position Requirements
· PhD in social science, natural resources, or related field
· Research experience with social science survey preparation, quantitative methods and statistical analysis.
· Experience with science/research translation to non-academic audience through public speaking, multi-media outreach publications and online platforms.
· Natural resources, forestry or non-timber forest product background preferred.
· Start Date: Winter 2024, 2-year funded position.
· Office: TBD (Extension off campus or Hybrid-Telecommute options possible)
· Requirements: Valid driver’s license and ability to travel statewide monthly and to northeastern states for quarterly stakeholder engagement events.
Position 5: Food Systems Sustainability Starts with Soil
Overview
The University of Vermont (UVM) is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary team and contribute to a cutting-edge project focused on food systems sustainability and soil health. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of research in an institution committed to advancing agricultural knowledge and addressing global challenges.
Project Description
The project aims to investigate the critical role of soil health in food systems sustainability, addressing the challenges of feeding a growing population, combating climate change, and enhancing farmer profitability. Soils form the foundation of the food system and are essential for producing nutritious food, supporting rural economies, and maintaining vital ecological functions. The project will employ a multi-dimensional approach to understanding the interactions between soil health and the five dimensions of sustainability: environment, economics, production, human, and social.
The successful candidate will collaborate with a transdisciplinary team and utilize both natural and social science methods to assess and analyze the sustainability of food systems, with a particular focus on soil health. Our research team will collect and analyze new and existing data related to soil biology, soil chemistry, and soil physics as well as conduct socioeconomic studies such as productivity, decision making and farm behavior. The postdoc candidate should be able to work collaboratively in socio-ecological systems, with either a natural or social science background.
Responsibilities
· Design and implement data collection with the project team.
· Conduct data analysis and interpretation to assess the contribution of soil health to food systems sustainability.
· Collaborate with farmers, technical service providers, and other stakeholders to ensure the relevance and applicability of research findings.
· Contribute to the development of a toolkit for ongoing assessment and analysis of food system sustainability.
· Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
· Engage in community outreach and knowledge exchange activities.
· Coordinate and synthesize between other Food Systems Sustainability projects.
This position will work with Dr. Gillian Galford at University of Vermont. Inquiries about this specific position should be sent to Dr. Gillian Galford at gillian.galford@uvm.edu.
Qualifications
· A Ph.D. in a relevant field such as soil science, environmental science, sociology, behavioral economics, or a related discipline.
· Strong background and expertise in socioecological systems and/or sustainability.
· Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods.
· Experience with interdisciplinary research and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Demonstrated ability to publish research in scientific journals.
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience engaging with farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
· Knowledge of food systems sustainability and its various dimensions.
· Familiarity with social science methods and qualitative research approaches.
· Experience in community engagement and knowledge translation activities.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range will be between $56,484-$68,604, depending on experience. In addition, each post-doctoral associate will also receive $5,000 for research or conference costs and have access to funding for publication costs associated with the post-doctoral research.
In addition, there are a number of generous benefits associated with the positions, which can be found at: https://www.uvm.edu/hrs/postdoctoral-associates-benefits-overview. The post-doctorates will also have opportunities for professional development and travel associated with the project.
How to apply
Inquiries about specific positions should be directed to the UVM faculty listed in the position descriptions, but please do not send your application materials to them.
To apply for this position please submit:
· A cover letter that details your experience and interest in the specific post-doctoral position as described above
· A full Curriculum Vitae
· Contact information for three references
In order to be fully considered for the position, applications should be received by July 12, 2023. Applications should be sent through the UVM InfoReady portal, only. Applicants are welcome to apply for more than one position.
The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution. Applicants are encouraged to include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal
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 category legally protected by federal or state law. Applicants are welcome from any region, and there are no associated citizenship requirements.
Dr. Gillian L. Galford (she/her)
University of Vermont
Research Associate Professor, Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources
Fellow, Gund Institute for Environment
Program Director, Geospatial Technologies and GIS Certificate
