Postdoctoral Position – Human Dimensions of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices
A postdoctoral position is available in the Social Sustainability of Agriculture and Food Systems Lab at the University of Georgia, under the mentorship of Dr. Jennifer Jo Thompson.
Description: This position concentrates on social science research within two interdisciplinary USDA-funded projects focused on sustainable agriculture and ‘climate smart’ agricultural practices in the US, particularly cover cropping. Broadly, this research aims to develop a rich, qualitative understanding of farmers’ motivations and experiences adopting and using cover crops at multiple scales, to support more effective outreach and technical assistance that also expands equity and participation in US agriculture.
Duties: The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for data collection (focus groups, as well as opportunities for interviews and participant observation), qualitative data analysis, and writing up manuscripts in collaboration with graduate students and researchers at UGA and elsewhere. The position also includes opportunities for travel to present at scholarly and professional meetings.
Required qualifications:
– A PhD in anthropology, geography, rural sociology or other relevant social science field.
– Strong skills in qualitative data collection and analysis.
– Publication record, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
– Independent work ethic.
Preferred qualifications:
– Experience working with farmers or other agricultural stakeholders in social science research.
– Experience with participatory research methods.
– Experience working with large research teams, including across disciplines, and with remote academic and non-academic partners.
– Interest/experience mentoring graduate/undergraduate students.
– Demonstrated capacity for communication of research findings among diverse audiences including farmers, non-profits, policy-makers, etc.
Starting Date: Negotiable, August 2023 preferred.
The initial appointment is for one year, with possibility of renewal up to three years with satisfactory performance.
Salary: Competitive starting salary and benefits package
Location: Athens, GA
Interested candidates, please submit:
– A cover letter that details experience and interest in the position
– A full CV
– Up to three peer-reviewed publications
– Contact information for three references
Review of Applicants: To be fully considered for the position, applications should be received by May 10, 2023. Please send application materials to Melissa Ray at m.ray@uga.edu. Please direct questions to Jennifer Jo Thompson at jjthomp@uga.edu. The successful candidate will be required to complete the hiring process through UGAjobs.