The Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Sustainable Economic Development is currently seeking a

Postdoctoral Research Associate

project employment

(Reference code: 118)

The project “Food coalitions beyond the local scale: spaces for a democratic sustainability transformation” is a collaborative effort between the BOKU Vienna, Technische Universität Berlin and STR at University of Basel. This transdisciplinary project aims to explore the opportunities and limitations of Trans-local food coalitions (TLFCs) – initiatives, organizations or companies that seek to (re)establish relationships between food stakeholders and geographic regions – to provide more democratic and sustainable alternatives to global food chains. By engaging with non-academic partners and utilizing a variety of empirical social research methods, the project seeks to generate practical knowledge for transforming globalized food chains. The project is co-funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the Weave funding program. More information under: https://translocalfoodcoalitions.org/en/.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the TLFC project. The position is limited to two years (75%) and will begin on 1th of September 2025. The main responsibilities will include leading Work Packages (WPs) 2 and 6 and substantially contributing to other WPs (e.g. data collection).

Responsibilities

• WP2 (Development of Conceptual Framework): Lead literature review on governance in alternative commodity chains; Co-develop and refine a conceptual framework for democracy and sustainability; Coordinate framework validation with case studies 2
• WP6 (Interpretation and Synthesis): Synthesize project findings on governance, democracy, and sustainability; Lead academic publications and conference contributions; Co-create policy recommendations and practitioner outputs
• WP 4 and 5: Collect, manage and analyze data for at least three Austria-based case studies with transnational producer links (e.g. Southern Europe, Latin America)
• Participate in regular project meetings, workshops, and networking events; Engage with practice partners and stakeholders in transdisciplinary processes

Required skills and qualifications

• Doctoral degree/PhD in sociology, agro-food studies, geography, political science or related disciplines
• Language skills: Fluency in English is required. Spanish and/or German are highly desirable, with preference given to candidates proficient in all three languages

Desirable skills and qualifications

• Strong background in qualitative research methods, including interviews, document analysis, and field observations
• Research experience in the field of agri-food systems and/or sustainability transitions
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, preferably also with digital project management tools
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team
• Willingness to travel for international fieldwork (e.g. Latin America) for at least four months and to project meetings in Germany and Switzerland

Applications can be submitted until: 25th of June 2025

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna seeks to increase the number of its female faculty and staff members. Therefore qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualification, female candidates will be given preference unless reasons specific to an individual male candidate tilt the balance in his favour.

People with disabilities and appropriate qualifications are specifically encouraged to apply.

Please send your job application incl.

• motivation letter
• CV

to Personnel Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter-Jordan-Straße 70, 1190 Vienna; E-Mail: recruiting@boku.ac.at. (Reference code: 118)

We regret that we cannot reimburse applicants travel and lodging expenses incurred as part of the selection and hiring process.