Part-time post-doctoral researcher in Food systems transformation through agroecology and Living Labs

The University of Southern Denmark Business School, invites applications for a 40% postdoctoral position in agroecology, participatory research and food systems transformation, running from preferable start July 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and until April 14th 2029.

The open position is linked to ongoing research led by Associate Professor Nina Isabella Moeller, using Living Labs, participatory methods and multi-actor collaboration in relation to agroecological transformation of food systems, specifically through public procurement, reconnection of food producers with consumers and a focus on the social and cultural dimensions of transformation. The research combines empirical studies, methodological development and collaboration with non-academic partners in Denmark and internationally.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a candidate with a strong and documented interest in regenerative transformation of societies, especially with respect to food systems. We are strongly encouraging applications from people with working experience beyond academia, especially with grassroots movements and in multi-stakeholder settings.

What will the job entail?

The main tasks will include:

• conducting and contributing to qualitative and mixed-method research activities, including interviews, workshops, focus groups, observation, document analysis and analytical synthesis;
• contributing to the planning, facilitation and documentation of Living Lab processes and other collaborative project activities;
• supporting cross-case and cross-project learning on participation, governance, values, agroecological transition and food systems transformation;
• contributing to project deliverables, academic publications, practice-oriented outputs and communication activities;
• collaborating with researchers and external partners, including municipalities, civil society organisations, producers and other food-system actors;
• occasional national and international travel.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field, for example agroecology, rural sociology, political ecology, anthropology, human geography, sustainability transitions, environmental social science or a related interdisciplinary field.

We expect applicants to have several of the following qualifications:

• experience with qualitative or mixed-method research;
• experience with participatory methods, co-creation, action research, Living Labs or similar collaborative approaches;
• a research interest in food systems, agroecology/regenerative agriculture, sustainability transitions, governance, participation or related areas;
• the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary settings;
• project leadership and/or collaboration beyond academia;
• strong written and spoken Danish and English.

It will be an advantage if the applicant also has experience with workshop facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and communication across different types of audiences.

The position is particularly well suited to a candidate who can combine scholarly analysis with careful collaborative work in complex multi-actor settings.

Please find more information about the Scholarly Qualification Matrix at the Department here.

Research environment

The postdoc will be based at the SDU Business School, University of Southern Denmark, Kolding campus, and will work closely with project partners in Denmark and abroad. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to an interdisciplinary research environment with strong external collaboration and a clear interest in research that engages with society.

Employment

This position is a temporary position at 40% / 15hours a week starting from as soon as possible and to until April 14th 2029 with workplace at the University of Southern Denmarks campus in Kolding.

Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state with the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described herein. Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

Recruitment process

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will receive an assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. 

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee and the shortlisted applicants will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns them. The committee may request additional information, and if so, it is the responsibility of the applicants to provide the necessary material.

Interviews will be part of the overall evaluation, and will most likely take place in week 25; 15th-17th June 2026. 

Further information about the position can be obtained from research responsible Associate Professor Nina Isabella Moeller, via ninam@sdu.dk

Deadline and requirements for the application

Applications must be submitted electronically through SDU’s recruitment system, no later than May 21st 2026 at 11.59 PM/23.59 (CET/CEST) using the link "Apply online". Uploaded files must be in Adobe PDF (unlocked) or Word format.

Mandatory:

The application must include:

• a letter of motivation;
• a curriculum vitae, including the required documentation of experience and possible periods of leave. Education and work history must be month- and year-specific. 
• copies of diplomas and relevant documentation;
• a complete list of publications;
• 1-3 selected publications relevant to the position. Please upload a single PDF file for each publication. If your publications have been co-authored, please briefly describe the extent of the co-authorship or your contribution to the individual joint publication. You can do so by using this form or you can describe the co-authorship in such a way that the committee can assess the extent of your contribution.

Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.

The application and all appendices must be in english. We request files in pdf-format no more than 5 MB per file. All pdf-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected. 

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

We recommend that as an international applicant, you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

 

UPLOAD GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’.

If the application does not meet the requirements mentioned above, the faculty may reject your application without further notice. Applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

 

About SDU

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.