Description: This position concentrates on mixed-methods social science research within two interdisciplinary USDA-funded projects focused on sustainable agriculture and ‘climate smart’ agricultural practices in the US. Broadly, the research focuses on (1) expanding knowledge about the complexity of adoption of ‘climate smart’ practices—in terms of understanding the multi-dimensionality of adoption itself, as well as the social and structural factors that constrain these practices, and (2) co-designing strategies to support more equitable and effective outreach and support to expand participation in US agriculture. These projects are committed to centering the experiences of farmers from historically-underserved groups.
Duties: The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for study design and management, including data collection (surveys, focus groups, interviews, participatory workshops, and participant observation), data analysis, and writing up manuscripts in collaboration with graduate students and researchers at UGA and elsewhere. The position includes travel for data collection, as well as opportunities 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 project management, survey development and analysis, and 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 2024 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 April 20, 2024. Please send application materials to Jennifer Jo Thompson at jjthomp@uga.edu. The successful candidate will be required to complete the hiring process through UGAjobs.
The Social Sustainability of Agriculture and Food Systems Lab led by Dr. Thompson at University of Georgia applies expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods social science to develop knowledge about the relationships between human/environmental health, social justice, agroecology, and food systems. As social scientists embedded in the College of Ag & Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia, our inter-/transdisciplinary work focuses on the social sustainability of agriculture and food systems – from collaborations aimed at developing knowledge and outreach to support farmers in adopting conservation agricultural practices (i.e., cover cropping) to those focused on community food systems and food justice (i.e., produce prescription programs, farm to school).