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Postdoctoral Scholar - Agriculture Social Science - Department of Environmental, Science & Policy Management

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Position description

POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR – AGRICULTURE SOCIAL SCIENCE
Department of Environmental, Science & Policy Management

The Berkeley Food Institute (BFI) seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research for a new soil health policy project at the University of California, Berkeley. The project will be a comprehensive analysis of the barriers and enabling conditions that affect the ability of farmers in California to implement diversified farming practices that advance beneficial soil health outcomes. The BFI seeks to transform food systems— to expand access to healthy, affordable food and promote sustainable and equitable food production. We empower new leaders with capacities to cultivate diverse, just, resilient, and healthy food systems. We focus on three food system themes and emphasize a holistic approach to address these pressing issues: promoting equitable access to good food; advancing fair and healthy jobs in food systems; and accelerating the adoption of agroecology. The successful candidate will report to the Principal Investigator and work closely with staff at Berkeley Food Institute in carrying out the project.

Responsibilities:
• Works with Principal Investigator and faculty team to plan and conduct social science and policy research into the barriers and enabling conditions that affect the ability of farmers in California to implement diversified farming practices that advance beneficial soil health outcomes. For further information about the project, check this project proposal.
• Gathers and analyzes scientific, NGO, and government literature policy, barriers and enabling opportunities, and farmer motivations to promoting soil health.
• Designs, runs, and follows up on online surveys of University of California Cooperative Extension staff and federal NRCS Resource Conservation District advisers and farm advisers in California.
• Designs and executes semi-structured interviews with a sample of 20-25 farmers in targeted areas and crop sectors to be chosen.
• Conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis of the resultingdata.
• Tracks developments in the California state government’s Healthy Soils Initiative, the USDA, Soil Health Institute, and other organizations involved with soil health issues.
• Assists in organizing and participates in participatory stakeholder meetings and conference calls.
• Supervises graduate and undergraduate student assistants if needed.
Collaborates closely with BFI staff, including Executive Director, Policy Director, and Communications Director, in coordinating stakeholder engagement sessions, and developing policy briefs and targeted communications regarding the project.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (by the time of application)
Candidates must have completed all degree requirements except the dissertation or be enrolled in an accredited PhD or equivalent degree program in but not limited to: sociology, rural sociology, geography, political science, policy studies, agricultural economics, and agricultural social sciences or related field.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (by start date)
Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent degree in but not limited to: sociology, rural sociology, geography, political science, policy studies, agricultural economics, and agricultural social sciences or related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (by start date)
The successful candidate should have a demonstrated expertise and be well-versed in quantitative and qualitative social science research methods (especially design and execution of interviews/surveys as well as analysis of such data). The candidate should also have a demonstrated interest in agricultural sustainability and a minimum of one-year work experience in managing research projects or other related work experience (e.g. for an NGO, in government, or for industry).

APPOINTMENT
The anticipated start date for this appointment is Fall 2017. The initial appointment is for 12 months, with renewal based on performance and funding. This is a full-time appointment.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and based on UC Berkeley Postdoc salary scale. The annual salary range for this position is $48,216 to $56,400. Generous benefits are included http://vspa.berkeley.edu/postdocs

TO APPLY
Visit: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF01405

Interested individuals should include a 1-2 page cover letter describing their research experience, along with a current CV and the names and contact information of three references. Letters of references may be requested for finalists. It is optional to include a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

Questions regarding this recruitment can be directed to Claire Kremen at ckremen@berkeley.edu or Alastair Iles at iles@berkeley.edu

All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e. dossier service or career center) to the UC Berkeley Statement of Confidentiality http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html prior to submitting their letters.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

The Department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their research orteaching.

The University of California, Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as a number of policies and programs in place to support employees as they balance work and family.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - a current CV

  • Cover Letter - 1-2 page cover letter describing their research experience

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Berkeley, CA