Postdoc in Food Governance and Sustainability Transitions

About this position

About us

The

University of Luxembourg

is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The

Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

(FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together

expertise

from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences.

People from across 20 disciplines are working within the

Faculty

. Along with the disciplinary approach

a very ambitious

interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty's research and teaching focuses on social, economic,

political

and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive,

open

and resourceful society.

The research project

PALATE

(Participatory Actions for Lifestyle Adaptation & Transition Engagement) explores how participatory governance structures, food democracy initiatives and multi-stakeholder collaboration contribute to sustainable food-system transformation in Luxembourg. The project seeks to generate actionable knowledge for policymakers, practitioners and civil society while advancing scientific understanding of food sovereignty, food governance and sustainability transitions. It contributes to Social Readiness withing the overall Climate Nexus Framework, by examining food-related behavioural change and participatory transitions toward sustainable lifestyles.

Your role

Conduct research on participatory food governance, food democracy and sustainable food-system transitions

Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, surveys, participant observation and document analysis

Analyse and interpret research data, and develop comparative and conceptual analyses of sustainability transitions

Collaborate with Luxembourg's Food Policy Council, public authorities and other food-system stakeholders

Design, facilitate and evaluate multi-stakeholder workshops, deliberative processes and co-creation activities

Analyse governance mechanisms, policy frameworks, power dynamics and stakeholder participation in food-system transformation

Analyse the participation of vulnerable and underrepresented groups in food governance processes

Translate research findings into evidence-based policy recommendations, practical tools and stakeholder outputs

Contribute to project planning, data management, coordination, monitoring, reporting and impact evaluation

Support and mentor the PhD candidate in methodological and fieldwork activities

Conduct literature reviews and contribute to scientific publications, conferences and research networks

Organise and participate in scientific and public awareness-raising events, disseminate findings to academic and societal audiences

Your profile

PhD in Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, Political Sciences, History and/or Geography in the field of food studies or related study areas

Experience in research project management and conduct, ideally in interdisciplinary contexts

In-depth knowledge of Luxembourg's foodscape, both of the existing interrelations and the cultural and socio-economic stakes, is a prerequisite

Previous research work on sustainable food practices and system is a requirement

Experience and excellent skills in qualitative methods, e.g., individual and group interviews, oral history, ethnography, participant observation, focus groups, as well as good knowledge of quantitative methods - descriptive statistics

Demonstrated experience in participatory action research, transdisciplinary research and stakeholder co-creation

Experience facilitating workshops, living labs, citizen assemblies, food councils or similar participatory governance processes

Attainment in food studies, transformative research, agroecological and food system transition studies, practice theory, political ecology, theory of change, as well as governance, governmentality and policy coherence approaches

Experience producing policy-relevant research and interacting with public administrations or NGOs

Ability to engage constructively with diverse stakeholder groups and navigate potentially conflicting interests

Interest in food democracy, food sovereignty, sustainability transitions, post-growth approaches and deliberative governance

Excellent command of English is required

We offer

A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities

An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure

A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Cover letter detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objective

PhD diploma or a letter/information indicating the expected defense date

Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

List of publications

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month

Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week

Location: