Research Fellow in Agriculture, Science and Policy (Ref 317)

£40,853 - £55,000 per annum, subject to experience

Full time

The IDS is a leading global institution for research, teaching and communications on international development, based at the University of Sussex campus in Brighton, UK.

The Knowledge, Technology and Society (KNOTS) Team of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Brighton, UK, is seeking to appoint up to two new Research Fellows as part of an expanding programme of research on African agriculture and development, with a particular focus on the governance of science, technology and innovation and the politics of policy processes. The post will combine research with teaching and policy support.

In association with the Future Agricultures Consortium (www.future-agricultures.org) and the STEPS Centre (www.steps-centre.org), and together with partners in Africa and the EU, the new Research Fellow(s) will develop work in Africa among the following themes:

·         Agricultural innovation systems

·         Participatory approaches to agricultural research and development

·         The governance and regulation of new agricultural technologies

·         The politics of policy processes surrounding technology development in agriculture

·         Agroecology and ecosystem services

·         Agriculture-water-health interactions

·         Agriculture,  land, livelihoods and the dynamics of environmental, socioeconomic and technological change

Applicants will have a PhD (or equivalent experience) with a strong research and publications record focusing on the social and political dimensions of agricultural change, including extended field experience.  Experience of coordinating diverse collaborative research teams and raising research funds from different sources is required. Direct experience with cereal seed systems, livestock systems and/or agroecological systems and their environmental, socio-political and technological contexts will be an advantage.

A working knowledge of and a sustained engagement with agriculture and development policy issues and processes is essential.  French Language skills and experience in francophone West Africa will be a benefit.

Closing Date: 05 June 2009 (12:00 midday UK Time)

Interview Date 07 July 2009

OFFICIAL APPLICATION FORMS ONLY, CVs are not accepted

For further information and to download an application form please log on to www.ids.ac.uk

Alternatively, to receive an electronic or hard copy please email Human Resources, hr@ids.ac.uk.  

Please ensure that you quote the correct reference number (Ref 317).

IDS values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities; applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates who meet the stated criteria