Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability Science (PA2026/725)

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Lunds universitet, Samhällsvetenskapliga fakulteten

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

We invite applications for a bright, creative and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS), Sweden. The successful candidate will be part of the project "Social consequences of digitalisation of agriculture: Carbon farming actor networks and impacts on smallholder farmers in the Global South" funded by the Swedish Research Council SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF DIGITALISATION OF AGRICULTURE: Carbon farming actor networks and impacts on smallholder farmers in the Global South - Lund University .

The project aims to critically examine the rise of digital agriculture through carbon farming programs in the Global South, with a particular focus on African and Asian agricultural contexts. Grounded in political ecology and actor-network theory, the project employs a mixed methods approach, integrating actor-network mapping, interviews, extended case studies and participatory visual methods. By combining a global mapping of key actors, data flows, carbon credits, and financial transactions with in-depth case studies and insights from farmers themselves, the project will provide a comprehensive analysis of how agricultural digitalization intersects with carbon markets and affects local livelihoods.

The successful applicant will be appointed for a two-year postdoctoral position, collaborating closely with the project team throughout all stages of data collection and analysis. The position will be supervised by Emma Johansson, Associate Professor at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS), in collaboration with Elina Andersson, Associate Professor at LUCSUS, and Hilary Faxon, Assistant Professor of Environmental Social Science at the University of Montana.

Position Instructions 

Research Focus (90%) 

The postdoc position will study the opportunities and risks associated with emerging carbon farming programs for smallholder farmers in the Global South, with particular emphasis on farmers’ lived experiences and perspectives. We are mainly interested in carbon farming programs that leverage digital tools to collect farm data, provide agricultural advice and services, monitor soil carbon, and generate agricultural carbon credits for the voluntary market.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting fieldwork and developing extensive case studies to analyse how data, carbon credits and financial resources circulate among actors linked to carbon farming programs.
• Selecting case study sites in close collaboration with the project team, guided by insights from earlier actor-network analyses.
• Documenting the experiences, perceptions and aspirations of smallholder farmers participating in carbon farming programs, focusing on impacts of digitalization on agriculture.
• Using participatory visual methods to synthesize and communicate insights and findings from case study research.

The position involves both desk-based research and extensive fieldwork. Field activities may include surveys, interviews, focus groups and participatory workshops, and other qualitative or mixed methods. The candidate is expected to take a leading role in, and contributing to, publishing academic articles and popular science communication that arise from the project.

Administrative and Service Focus (10% time) 

The main administrative responsibilities include project coordination and reporting, contributing to coordinating workshops, funders reports and producing outreach materials for stakeholders. The postdoctoral researcher will also engage in science communication activities, such as maintaining regular updates on project progress via the website and social media channels.

There may be opportunities to contribute to teaching and supervision within the LUMES and LUCAS MSc programmes at LUCSUS.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following specific qualifications:

• A PhD in sustainability science, geography, political ecology, or a related field.
• Familiarity with relevant theories and concepts from fields such as political ecology, actor-network theory, Science and Technology Studies, and critical agri-food studies.
• Demonstrated fieldwork experience, including strong awareness of research ethics and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders and research teams in rural communities.
• Experience with research methods relevant to the project (e.g., qualitative interviews, surveys, participatory methods and workshops)
• Demonstrated publication record and proven academic writing skills, including leading the preparation of well-argued, clearly written scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Candidates should be fluent in written and spoken academic English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary, inclusive, and international research environment.

 

Desired Qualifications
The following will strengthen a candidate’s profile:

• Experience managing research teams, including supervision of students or project assistants.
• Experience with participatory visual methods.
• Skills in popular science writing and communication, including blogs and social media.
• Interest in contributing to teaching at LUCSUS and to work with MSc students.

The Post doc is a 2-year position.

Application instructions:

The application should include a well-developed research plan describing their proposed area of research within the broader scope of the project. The plan should clearly articulate the intended focus, the theories and methods to be used, and how the work will contribute to the project aims.

The successful application will pose a clear and focused research question, present a detailed research design and demonstrate theoretical grounding and methodological feasibility. The proposed research plan should align with the project plan, see further project information here[NA1] . (Please note: The actual research carried out over the course of the postdoc may change from the proposed plan.)

A complete application consists of:

• Cover page (max 1 page): Short statement of motivation and connection with the position, including how this position aligns withthe applicant’s future career goals. Include name and contact information of applicant.
• CV: Academic and professional background, detailing relevant experience, particularly research and public communication.
• List of Publications: Please separate peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and popular science or outreach publications.
• Research Plan: Project title (max. 20 words), project abstract (max. 200 words), main research proposal text (max.1200 words) including 1. Research question(s) or hypotheses, linked to the project aims 2. Analytical foundations (theories and concepts) 3. Research methods and feasibility and 4. Expected outcomes and contributions in line with the project goals. Applications must be submitted in Times New Roman (12 pt), 1.5 line spacing, and margins 2.5 cm.
• References: Please include names and contact information for three academic or professional references who can speak to your professional and teamwork abilities. At least one reference must be a former or current research supervisor.

 

Type of employment
Temporary position

Employment expires
0001-11-30

Contract type
Full time

First day of employment
September 2026 or according to the agreement

Salary
Monthly salary

Number of positions
1

Full-time equivalent
100%

City
Lund

County
Skåne län

Country
Sweden

Reference number
PA2026/725

Contact

• Cecilia Kardum Smith, cecilia.kardum_smithlucsus.lu.se
• Emma Johansson, emma.johanssonlucsus.lu.se

Union representative

• OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362, stst.lu.se
• SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, kanslisaco-s.lu.se, kanslisaco-s.lu.se
• SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366, sekocivilseko.lu.se

Published
03.Mar.2026

Last application date
05.Apr.2026

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