Part-time post-doctoral researcher in Food systems transformation through agroecology and Living Labs

The University of Southern Denmark Business School, invites applications for a 40% postdoctoral position in agroecology, participatory research and food systems transformation, running from preferable start July 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and until April 14th 2029.

The open position is linked to ongoing research led by Associate Professor Nina Isabella Moeller, using Living Labs, participatory methods and multi-actor collaboration in relation to agroecological transformation of food systems, specifically through public procurement, reconnection of food producers with consumers and a focus on the social and cultural dimensions of transformation. The research combines empirical studies, methodological development and collaboration with non-academic partners in Denmark and internationally.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a candidate with a strong and documented interest in regenerative transformation of societies, especially with respect to food systems. We are strongly encouraging applications from people with working experience beyond academia, especially with grassroots movements and in multi-stakeholder settings.

What will the job entail?

The main tasks will include:

• conducting and contributing to qualitative and mixed-method research activities, including interviews, workshops, focus groups, observation, document analysis and analytical synthesis;
• contributing to the planning, facilitation and documentation of Living Lab processes and other collaborative project activities;
• supporting cross-case and cross-project learning on participation, governance, values, agroecological transition and food systems transformation;
• contributing to project deliverables, academic publications, practice-oriented outputs and communication activities;
• collaborating with researchers and external partners, including municipalities, civil society organisations, producers and other food-system actors;
• occasional national and international travel.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field, for example agroecology, rural sociology, political ecology, anthropology, human geography, sustainability transitions, environmental social science or a related interdisciplinary field.

We expect applicants to have several of the following qualifications:

• experience with qualitative or mixed-method research;
• experience with participatory methods, co-creation, action research, Living Labs or similar collaborative approaches;
• a research interest in food systems, agroecology/regenerative agriculture, sustainability transitions, governance, participation or related areas;
• the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary settings;
• project leadership and/or collaboration beyond academia;
• strong written and spoken Danish and English.

It will be an advantage if the applicant also has experience with workshop facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and communication across different types of audiences.

The position is particularly well suited to a candidate who can combine scholarly analysis with careful collaborative work in complex multi-actor settings.

Please find more information about the Scholarly Qualification Matrix at the Department here.

Research environment

The postdoc will be based at the SDU Business School, University of Southern Denmark, Kolding campus, and will work closely with project partners in Denmark and abroad. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to an interdisciplinary research environment with strong external collaboration and a clear interest in research that engages with society.

Employment

This position is a temporary position at 40% / 15hours a week starting from as soon as possible and to until April 14th 2029 with workplace at the University of Southern Denmarks campus in Kolding.

Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

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