Research Associate in Food Systems and Gender Analysis
We are looking to appoint a researcher who will become a key member of the UKRI international collaboration “Observatory for Research and Practice on Food Systems and Social Reproduction,” an innovative multi-country research project between the University of Bristol (UK), Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS - South Africa), and the University of Ghana. You will be based at the University of Bristol Business School and work closely with Dr. Fiorella Picchioni, alongside an international team of researchers. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the UK food system through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the intersection of food systems and gender justice.
We are seeking someone to lead and conduct research on the interactions between food systems and social reproduction, employing mixed-method and participatory research approaches. You will play a central role in producing high-impact research, influencing policy discussions, and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, NGOs, and local communities.
What will you be doing?
* Conduct interdisciplinary research on food systems and feminist theories.
* Lead a scoping exercise to analyze food policy environments, care economies, and dietary trends in the UK.
* Design and execute fieldwork across UK food system nodes, utilizing mixed-method approaches such as interviews, ethnography, creative methods, and quantitative surveys.
* Develop and sustain a global community of practice, fostering collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
* Organize and coordinate workshops, consultations, and public engagement activities across the UK, South Africa, and Ghana.
* Contribute to or lead academic journal publications and dissemination activities.
* Maintain the highest standards of data governance and research reproducibility.
* Manage project dissemination platforms, including websites, podcasts, and social media.
You should apply if
* You hold a relevant postgraduate research or taught degree, or are working towards a PhD in a relevant field.
* You have experience working independently and collaboratively on international research projects.
* You are skilled in primary data collection, including survey design, interviews, and participatory methods.
* You have experience in mixed-method research and proficiency in tools such as NVivo, STATA, or SPSS.
* You approach work professionally, especially in collaborating with international partners and stakeholders in food systems.
* You have a track record of conducting research, writing for dissemination, and presenting to diverse audiences.
* You possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* You can organize your time effectively, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
* You are willing to travel for data collection, conferences, and professional development.
Additional information
For informal queries, please contact Fiorella Picchioni at Fiorella.picchioni@bristol.ac.uk
Contract type: Open-ended with fixed funding until 15/09/2028
Grade: I
School/Unit: Business School
Application deadline: 23:59 UK time on Thursday, 22nd May 2025
Our strategy and mission
We recently launched our strategy for 2030, aligning our mission, vision, and values.
The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and excel in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We seek to attract, develop, and retain individuals with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives—particularly people of color, LGBT+, and disabled individuals—because diversity of people and ideas is vital to our excellence as a global civic institution.
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