Researcher in Food Systems

The Environmental Change Institute is looking to appoint a Researcher for the
FOSTER [Fostering food system transformation by integrating heterogeneous
perspectives in knowledge and innovation within the European Research Area]
Project.





**THE PROJECT**





FOSTER [Fostering food system transformation by integrating heterogeneous
perspectives in knowledge and innovation within the European Research Area]
has the vision to build a foundation from which a new Knowledge and Innovation
(K&I) governance structure for Europe's food system can emerge. This new
structure is needed because the current K&I system in the European Research
Area is insufficient to address the emerging challenges of nourishing Europe
in a healthy and sustainable way. While great progress in satisfying food
demand has been made over receding decades, the growing awareness of the
health and environmental outcomes of the current system, and how these
interact with society, call for a new approach to K&I. This needs to be
underpinned by enhanced governance drawing together food system science with
other forms of knowledge, notably Citizen Science. By working together more
effectively, traditional knowledge providers (i.e. universities and research
institutions), citizen scientists and policymakers can co-create the necessary
new foundation. This will need new ways to harness existing knowledge and
capacity building to interface this with integrated food systems thinking,
closely linked to citizen-led initiatives with strong policy interactions.





Led by DIL (the German Institute of Food Technologies), FOSTER's overall
objective is to gain insight into how knowledge and innovation systems can be
adapted, made more inclusive and better governed to transform Europe's food
system outcomes for health, enterprise and the environment. Drawing on the
success of the IFSTAL programme, ECI's Food Systems Transformation Group will
lead Work Package 2 to create a FOSTER Academy.





The successful candidate will report to Dr. John Ingram in the Environmental
Change Institute at the University of Oxford. The post holder will be a member
of the ECI Food Systems Transformation research group. The Researcher will
apply knowledge and experience of systems thinking and an understanding of the
processes for food system transformation. Particular emphasis will be on
engaging with a range of stakeholders to develop teaching and training
materials for the FOSTER Mutual Learning Network and coordinating the
development of a set of Learning Papers stemming from work across the project.



This will involve working closely with Researchers at collaborating
universities as well as our citizen science partners. The role provides an
opportunity to help shape the delivery of a European and inter and trans-
disciplinary teaching and learning Academy.





The post holder will need to be proactive, working both independently and as
part of a team, whilst managing and prioritising a busy workload.





**Applications for this vacancy should be made online. You will be required to
upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your application, explaining
how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for this post.**





For further guidance and support, please visit https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-
to-apply





**The closing date for applications is midday on 29 January 2025.**





**Interviews are anticipated to take place either 6th or 7th February 2025,
with exact dates to be confirmed.**





**Enquiries related to the recruitment process are to be directed to**
recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk





**We offer very generous benefits, some of which are:**



• Generous holiday allowance of 38 days including bank holidays



• Hybrid working



• Membership of the Oxford staff pension scheme



• Discounted bus travel



• Cycle loan scheme



• Plus, many other University benefits








The School of Geography and the Environment are committed to fostering a
culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are particularly
encouraged from women, Black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-
represented in academic posts at Oxford. The school holds an Athena SWAN
Silver Award in recognition of its commitment to gender equality.