The WFPC seeks a full-time Research Scientist to build out a research portfolio in one or more of the following food policy areas: 1) food and nutrition security; 2) food loss and waste; and/or 3) food and sustainability, broadly defined to include strategies to address the impact of climate change on the food system, and food systems resilience.
The WFPC seeks a full-time Research Scientist to build out a research portfolio in one or more of the following food policy areas: 1) food and nutrition security; 2) food loss and waste; and/or 3) food and sustainability, broadly defined to include strategies to address the impact of climate change on the food system, and food systems resilience. The successful candidate will deepen and expand existing lines of research, with the opportunity to focus on North Carolina and/or U.S. food systems issues. Position responsibilities include co-teaching an upper-division food policy course and mentoring students.
The candidate will be expected to be available to work on campus in Durham, NC. Hybrid work arrangements may be possible, but there is an expectation of on-campus availability. The WFPC hopes to have the successful candidate in position by the start of the spring 2025 semester.
Candidates must have demonstrated experience in food policy research. The WFPC is open to researchers with interests in any of its three policy arenas listed above—preference will not be given to one portfolio over another. What is most critical is that the candidate have an established research history.
Quantitative expertise is preferred. This could include causal inference with surveys methods or secondary data or experimental methods (randomized controlled trials, economic experiments, survey experiments, among others).
Candidates with expertise in qualitative or mixed methods may also be considered provided evidence of a publication record in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Preference will be given to candidates who have gained professional experience in academically-oriented research settings after the completion of their PhD, e.g., Post Doc positions or other comparable roles (Research Associate, Research Scientist, etc.). The ideal candidate will have experience with grant proposal development and academic publishing.
Experience in university teaching, preferably both undergraduate and graduate level courses, is a plus.
Conduct research and publish in one or more WFPC priority areas of food and nutrition security, food loss and waste, or food and sustainability. Research may include:
- Design, implementation, and analysis of large-scale, national experimental surveys.
- Evaluation of existing food policy.
- Mixed methods research design, incorporating the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Working with WFPC Research Manager and undergraduate/graduate research assistants.
Lead or contribute to the development of new grant proposals in priority areas emphasizing collaboration with other faculty/units at Duke and beyond, and multidisciplinary inquiry.
Co-teach a food policy course with the WFPC Director.
Engage in robust outreach of research findings, such as developing policy briefs or policy change-focused reports, informing social media outreach, participating in podcast interviews, and developing data visualization/communication appropriate for policy makers, food systems advocates, and the public.
PhD in agricultural and applied economics, economics, food policy, political science, public policy, sociology, nutrition, medicine (MD or PhD), public health, or related fields.
Permission to work legally in the U.S.
- The ability to work independently is a must.
- Strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills are necessary.
- Demonstrated experience in quantitative research design and analysis is necessary
- Experience with quantitative analytical programs (Stata, SAS, R, Python, or similar) is required.
- A demonstrated track record of academic publishing and grant writing is strongly preferred.
- Experience with stakeholder interviewing, as well as qualitative coding and analysis with programs such as NVivo is a plus.
- Experience with mixed methods approaches is also a plus.
- Evidence of effective teaching is a plus.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing Sample (i.e, journal article, dissertation, final report)on or
- Two references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
)Further Info:
World Food Policy Center
201 Science Drive
Durham, NC 27708