Open-Rank Research Scientist

Arizona State University: Office of the Executive Vice President Knowledge Enterprise: Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation: Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems Location Tempe, Arizona Open Date Feb 1, 2021

Description

The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is seeking a Research Scientist to join our team to lead our research efforts to meet the challenges facing our food system. This is a new position and the selected candidate will help shape and develop our research agenda to build on our Center priorities and objectives such as organic and regenerative agriculture and meeting the challenges of climate change, innovation in agriculture and food to feed the planet, and methodologies that help decision makers such as true cost accounting.

Achieving sustainable food systems requires problem-solving teams who are infused with a diversity of expertise, eager collaboration and innovative spirit. Established in 2017, the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University develops innovative ideas and solutions to the many challenges of current food systems. The Swette Center takes a holistic approach in research and policy design, encompassing water and energy use, carbon footprint and nutrition, innovations in food policy, and the well-being and livelihood of farmers and others working in food systems. The Center will educate the next generation of changemakers through innovative degrees and executive programs in sustainable food systems. Swette Center food system experts come from every corner of the university, including from the pool of more than 550 sustainability scientists and scholars who are dedicated to pursuing solutions, engagement, education and research for a sustainable future. Under the leadership of Dr. Kathleen Merrigan, former US Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the USDA and internationally renowned expert on food systems and sustainability, we work on cutting edge science and policy.

Essential Duties:

• Help set research agenda for the research priority areas of the Center.
• Plan and execute critical research projects.
• Develop and oversee a research program that falls within the research priority areas established by the Center.
• Write grants and support grant writing and reporting efforts to fund the research agenda.
• Foster collaborative relationships with on campus and in other institutions.
• Review scientific literature and publications to keep abreast of current research.

Working Environment:

Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.  Ability to clearly communicate verbally, read, write, see and hear to perform essential functions of the job. Regular use of standard office equipment including, but not limited to: computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, fax, calculator, copier, telephone and associated computer/technology peripherals. This position receives annual managerial review of objectives.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong record of, or potential for, scholarly research and a willingness to work collaboratively with faculty in other disciplines.
• Applicants with an earned doctorate in sustainable food systems, sustainability, food policy, environmental studies, or an affiliated field at the time of appointment will be given preference but those with advanced degrees in these fields will be accepted.
• Candidates for the position should have a record of or clear potential for external research funding, and student mentorship.
• Candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the core principles of sustainability: economic, environmental and social justice for present and future generations.

Application Instructions

Applicants are responsible for including a cover letter, CV, and the names of three professional references in their application through the Interfolio website. Emailed applications will not be accepted. 

Application deadline is February 22, 2021.  Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

For the sixth year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all five years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. http://research.asu.edu/