Research Fellow

This post provides an exciting opportunity for an exceptional candidate to be part of an influential and highly regarded research programme called FixOurFood. This is an ambitious research programme inspiring action across Yorkshire to co-create a regenerative food system. As part of the programme, we have created the FixOurFood Commission which will provide a cohesive voice for Yorkshire food system transformation supporting healthy people, thriving businesses and a flourishing planet. The Commission will work alongside stakeholders to action change in food policy, remodel supply chains and public food procurement, improve dietary health, particularly in young people, and support innovation in regenerative practices. We are now looking for an excellent candidate to support the Commission as a whole, and individual Commissioners involved, to ensure success.

The role will involve leading the pulling together and presenting research of data from across all sectors of the Yorkshire food system that will enable the Commission to engage with actors at all levels to action change. It will also require presentations to diverse audiences, giving a picture of the food system and showing where actions have the potential to drive transformation. It will also involve supporting action learning and workshops to help the influential members of the commission develop strategic action that leads to system change in the food system. The long-term future of the Commission as a legacy for FixOurFood is critical and the post-holder will help lead and work with others, to identify funding sources and develop funding bids for action-oriented research and ongoing activities.

We’re looking for an exceptional candidate that has demonstrable research experience and excellent capabilities in working with diverse stakeholders at all levels, and who is comfortable with action-oriented research. A successful candidate would have a PhD and experience relevant to any aspect of the food system, food policy, and/or systemic change or transformation or equivalent experience. They will already have a track record in action-oriented research, highly developed communication skills, ability to work with diverse stakeholders, proven ability to attract and obtain funding, and a strong collaborative ethos. While the research context is about food systems, we are also open to those with relevant knowledge and experience in other areas, such as how to support systemic change.

The post provides an exciting opportunity for a candidate - to step up into research and action leadership roles, and to work within a large and extensive and highly influential and regarded project, and generate significant and important impacts around system change. Within FixOurFood you will also be working with a highly collaborative and supportive team under the supervision of Professor Ioan Fazey, an internationally recognized expert on transformation and with inspirational members of the FixOurFood Commission and other stakeholders from across Yorkshire. The post is based on campus at the University of York but will also involve some travel across Yorkshire. There will also be some potential for remote working when on-campus working is not required. You will be physically located in the collegiate Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York, ranked second in the UK for research impact. The Department has a progressive approach to leadership and we actively live by and nurture our core values. Our Department is ambitious, providing further opportunities for you to develop collaborations and future opportunities.