Position Announcement: Postdoctoral Fellow in the Sociology of Food and Agriculture

Please see the enclosed position announcement from Holtz Center alumna, Katharine Legun. Katharine is located at the University of Otago in New Zealand. She is currently hiring a three-year post-doc for a project looking at the social effects of new AI robotic technologies in agriculture. Katharine is particularly looking for someone with STS interests and experience. If you have questions about the position, please reach out to Katharine directly at katharine.legun@otago.ac.nz. Details are below.

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Postdoctoral Fellow in the Sociology of Food and Agriculture
Maaratech Project, Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, New Zealand
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Deadline for applications: April 30, 2019

MAARATECH PROJECT
CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Who we are

The MaaraTech project is a multi-year transdisciplinary project conducting research on AI robotics in horticulture. The project is currently in its first year and while the main project is based in the Faulty of Engineering at Auckland, this role will be based at the Centre for Sustainability at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. The other social science research on the project is based at the James Henare Māori Research Centre in Auckland.

The Centre for Sustainability is an interdisciplinary research centre. Our research teams draw from social, physical and environmental sciences to address local and global sustainability challenges. Our centre’s research included agricultural sustainability, indigenous environmental management, energy transitions and societal responses to climate change.

The role

This Postdoctoral Fellowship will be supervised by Dr Katharine Legun and will be positioned within the team dedicated to examining social dyamics in technology development.

You will engage in research looking at the social dimensions of technological change in agriculture. While there is some flexibility in the research undertaken in the project, this role will likely pursue a research program that looks at anticipatory effects of new AI technologies, new technologies and the experience of work, and/or co-design technology development processes and its outcomes.

You will be required to provide leadership in designing and undertaking research, to contribute social science insights into collaborative discussions, and will also be expected to take a strong role in the publication of research findings. You will also be expected to work collaboratively with scholars at the James Henare Māori Research Centre in Auckland and must be willing to learn Kaupapa Māori approaches to research.

Your skills and experience

• Completed the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in sociology, geography, anthropology, or a related discipline.
• Possess skills and research interests in agriculture or farming systems and social analysis.
• Be able to work in a transdisciplinary environment and have a strong interest in transdisciplinary research.
• A strong interest and research experience in Science and Technology Studies would be advantageous.

Further details

This is a full-time, fixed term position for three years ideally from the end of June 2019.

The position will require travel from time to time within New Zealand.

Specific enquiries may be directed to Dr Katharine Legun, Centre for Sustainability, via the contact details below.

Application

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 1900908 will close on Tuesday, 30 April 2019.

Salary Level and Range
Postdoctoral Fellow ($75,896)

Read the full article at: https://otago.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=1900908