2 PhD positions in Sustainability Research, focus on sustainable agri-food system governance

100%, 01.03.2025

The Sustainability Research Group at the University of Basel, led by Prof. Dr. Janina Grabs, is looking for two PhD researchers to investigate the governance of sustainable agri-food systems, with a particular focus on the implementation of mandatory sustainability legislation in tropical agri-food commodity chains, in the framework of the SNF-funded Starting Grant Project EXPECT-AGRI.

The project EXPECT-AGRI

The production of agricultural commodities such as coffee, cocoa, or palm oil is associated with deforestation, forced and child labor, and smallholder poverty. European governments currently aim to address these challenges via the introduction of mandatory supply chain sustainability legislation such as due diligence regulations and import restrictions.

This five-year research project aims to examine the impact of such sustainability laws in the supply chains of coffee, cocoa and palm oil. What expectations do these laws create between the regulatory authorities and the companies that trade in these commodities? And how do these expectations in turn influence the shift towards more sustainable agriculture? The project will examine these questions via a combination of qualitative (e.g. expert interviews, Q-methodology, case study analysis) and quantitative (e.g. company surveys) research, including fieldwork in commodity-producing countries.

Your position

As part of EXPECT-AGRI, the successful candidates will conduct longitudinal, qualitative research on policy implementation in three tropical agri-food commodity sectors (coffee, cocoa, and palm oil). One PhD candidate will focus on fieldwork in Colombia, and the other one will work in Côte d’Ivoire. You will further collaborate with postdoctoral researchers and mentor Master’s students in the context of the project. The candidates will pursue a PhD degree in Sustainability Research and be enrolled in the University of Basel’s Graduate School of Social Sciences. Place of work will be Basel, Switzerland.

Both appointments are scheduled to begin on March 1, 2025, or at the earliest convenience of the successful candidates.

Your profile

Applicants should have completed a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as political science, political economy, public policy/administration, global governance, sustainability research, sociology, development studies, or another social science discipline, and achieved a minimum grade equivalent to 5 (out of 6) in the Swiss system. The candidates should have demonstrated experience in the use of qualitative research methods, and ideally have experience in living and/or working in the case study countries (Colombia or Côte d’Ivoire), or more broadly have experience in Latin America or West Africa.

We are looking for candidates with a proficient level in English and a second language (Spanish or French), excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a strong work ethic, the ability to work independently, and a high willingness to collaborate.

We offer you

Both positions are for an initial period of one year, renewable for another three years after positive evaluation.

As part of the very interdisciplinary Sustainability Research Group of the University of Basel, you will be able to work in a scientifically highly stimulating environment. You will join a supportive and collaborative work environment with regular meetings and exchanges. We further support participation in a broad and well-established international research network.

You will work closely with Professor Janina Grabs (head of the Sustainability Research Group), and be provided with ample opportunity to develop your own academic profile in preparation for the next steps of the career ladder. We offer dedicated faculty mentorship to support your academic progress.

Further, we offer modern research facilities and an excellent scientific environment at Basel University.

The successful candidates will be offered an attractive remuneration package (salary, social benefits) in accordance with the guidelines of the University, with access to the University's rich program of Continuing Education, Language Teaching and University Sports.

The University of Basel is an equal opportunity employer; women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application / Contact

Please submit your complete application documents, including a brief (max. 2 pages) cover letter explaining how your qualifications and experience make you a good fit for this position, a CV, a copy of your Master’s certificate (or explanation of when you will graduate), and the contact details of at least two academic references via our online recruiting platform. We accept online applications only.

For further information, please contact Janina Grabs, janina.grabs@unibas.ch. Review of applications will begin January 6, 2025.