Researcher: Crop diversity and sustainable food systems

About the position

The Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Faculty of Landscape and Society at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant position as researcher for 3 years with possibility for extension within the project Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development (BOLD). NMBU is a research partner in a consortium led by the international organization The Crop Trust. The project is funded by the Norwegian Agency of Development Cooperation, NORAD. 

Within the BOLD project, the successful applicant for this position will carry out research on the role of crop diversity, particularly on the potential of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), within seed and food systems of East and West Africa. 

The researcher will be part of the Seed System Lab at Noragric NMBU, working closely with other organizations in the project consortium. Specific research tasks include conducting data-driven research on farmer and consumer preferences, developing methodology for impact evaluation of interventions promoting crop diversity, and contributing to the development of postgraduate courses and PhD education in crop diversity and seed/food system development.

Main tasks

• Develop a research plan together with project leader and other lab/consortium members.
• Carry out fieldwork and data collection independently and in collaboration with other lab members and research partners
• Contribute to and lead analyses and publishing of project results in international academic journals
• Undertake some administrative tasks and reporting activities related to the project 

Competence:

Required Academic qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant social, natural or interdisciplinary field 
• Research experience with crop diversity, seed systems and/or food systems
• Fluency in academic English
• A documented record of high-quality scientific publications

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. 
• Experience with computer programming, preferably in R and/or Stata
• Experience with decentralized experimental crop innovation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of the societal and agroecological context in the project countries (Tanzania, Uganda, Benin and Ghana)
• Ability to communicate in one or more languages spoken in project countries 

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1109 Researcher, (salary grade 66-75) (NOK 646 000 –759 100), depending on qualifications. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.

Start date 02.01.2025 with the possibility of an earlier start.

For further information, please contact Professor Ola Westengen

E-mail: ola.westengen@nmbu.no; phone +47 90942785

General information to applicants

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: 01.08.2024

Up to five publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested. 

The application should also include a CV with a list of publications, diplomas and transcripts, and names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number).

Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Landscape and Society, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 01.08.2024. Please quote reference number 22/05425.

Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.

About the Faculty of Landscape and Society

The Faculty of Landscape and Society is home to some of Norway's foremost academic environments within international environment and development studies, public health science, landscape architecture, landscape engineering, urban and regional planning, property development and property law. The Faculty has 1300 students and 180 employees divided into five departments and a Faculty administration. It offers popular, forward-focused Bachelor, Master’s and PhD programmes. The Faculty is interdisciplinary and works with sustainable social development, both nationally and internationally.

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.

NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time.

We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en