PhD position on Socio-ecological Research in Sustainable Agriculture (TV-L 13, 65%, 4 years)
PhD position on Socio-ecological Research in Sustainable Agriculture (TV-L 13, 65%, 4 years)
The Department of Sustainable Use of Natural Resources at the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart (https://sustainability.uni-hohenheim.de/en) seeks a PhD candidate in the research field of Socio-Ecological research in the interdisciplinary project "BRIGHT-Futures: Bright Spots in Agriculture".Preferred starting date is June 1st, 2025, for a duration of four years. Salary and conditions are according to public service positions in Germany (TV-L E13, 65%). The BRIGHT-Futures project aims to identify sustainable agricultural systems, termed "Bright Spots." By analyzing secondary and empirical field data, BRIGHT-Futures will pinpoint regions and individual farms exhibiting outstanding economic, ecological, and social sustainability.
Field studies in Kerala (India), Western Kenya, Oaxaca (Mexico) and Southern Germany shall uncover the success factors of these Bright Spots, such as agricultural practices, ecological conditions, and policy frameworks. The investigations of this PhD position will be carried out in close coordination with the biodiversity and ecosystem ecology studies of the project partners.
Your profile
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist to join our group. Applicants must hold a MSc in sustainability science, geography, interdisciplinary environmental sciences, agriculture, agricultural economics, or related disciplines.You should have good understanding of agricultural and/or socio-environmental systems, strong interdisciplinary methodological skills (ideally including both quantitative and qualitative methods, eg statistical and spatial analysis, survey design, focus groups, interviews), as well as good writing and communication skills, and be eager to work in a highly interdisciplinary project.
Experience with transdisciplinary and participatory research methods is advantageous. Fluency in written and spoken English is expected. Knowledge of one or more of the case study contexts would be a strong asset. Willingness to travel for extended periods to tropical countries and rural settings, and a driving license class B (passenger car) are required for field work.
Knowledge of MAXQDA, NVivo or similar software as well as experience with the software R and QGIS/ArcGIS is desirable, but not a prerequisite.
Your tasks
Both qualitative and quantitative assessments of farmer livelihoods and socio-economic farm outcomes in India and Southern Germany
Close collaboration and integration of data from biodiversity and ecosystem ecology field studies
Social-ecological analysis of collected and secondary data in close collaboration with project partners
Organization and leadership of focus group discussions with stakeholders
Active interdisciplinary collaboration in the BRIGHT-Futures project
Publication of research results in the scientific literature and presentations at scientific conferences
Additional benefits
We offer a PhD opportunity in a research area of high societal relevance, in a dynamic international research group led by Jun.-Prof. Dr. Verena Seufert. Using a broad methodological spectrum, we aim to contribute to sustainability science in agri-food system context, with a highly inter- and transdisciplinary and solution-oriented approach.The department offers a pleasant, highly collaborative and inclusive working atmosphere. The University of Hohenheim is located on a beautiful campus in the southern German city of Stuttgart, which offers a rich cultural life and attractive surroundings.
Application deadline : 24.03.2025
Please attach the following documents to your application:
Please apply via the University of Hohenheim portal by 24.03.2025. Your application (in a single .pdf-file) should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a letter of motivation (1-2 pages) detailing why you want to do a PhD, your scientific experience, what you find interesting about the PhD project and which ideas you have for developing a research project on the topic.Please also include university and high school diplomas, a summary of your MSc thesis and, if available, letters of recommendation from previous supervisors. The University of Hohenheim seeks to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and strongly encourages qualified female scientists to apply.
With equal qualifications, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities.
For further information, please contact
Jun.
Prof. Dr. Verena Seufertemail: verena.seufert [at] uni-hohenheim.de - phone: +49 771 459 22193
Homepage: https://sustainability.uni-hohenheim.de/en
The University of Hohenheim accepts applications via a secure internet site. To the application
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Job openings from the Ministry of Research, Science and Art
Job openings from the Ministry of Rural Affairs, Food and Consumer Protection- Environment - Environnement - Umwelt
- Agronomy/Food Science - Agronomie/Science alimentaire - Agronomie/Lebensmittelingenieur
- Reference: jobs.myscience.de/id203750