Postdoc in Food Governance and Sustainability Transitions

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:

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: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08511

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 87306 (full time).