Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (Food Systems Sustainability and Innovation) at Mangosuthu University of Technology

Key Performance Areas:

• Demonstrate the familiarity towards sustainable food systems in consideration of agricultural, health disparities and social inequities.
• Experience in analyzing indigenous knowledge system trajectory towards addressing food and nutrition security.
• Knowledge of food systems simulation model and explore nutrition sensitive approaches in agricultural practices.
• Contribute to the design of surveys and fieldwork to promote environmental sustainability.
• Implementation of the market and food environment surveys focusing on NUCs edible medicinal plants and other research studies.
• Implement innovative agronomy and farming systems research approaches and to understand adoption processes, technology targeting, and the enabling environment to support sustainable intensification at scale.
• Manage statistical packages and analysis for both qualitative and quantitative data. Whilst working within existing data sets and developing to formulate innovative research outputs.
• Ability to draft grant applications for broad multidisciplinary research areas.
• Successfully develop workplan, implement agreed plans and project activities.
• Assisting in overall management and contribute to the various activities of the research projects.
• Experience identifying and applying for competitive external funding.
• Initiating, developing and/or being involved in research networks, collaborations (i.e. formulating spin-offs, and joint ventures), institutional partnerships, and the organization of research events.

Minimum Requirements:

• The candidate must possess a relevant doctoral degree PhD (Agriculture/Food Security, Food Science/Nutrition) obtained within the past 5 years.
• South African citizens and permanent residents will have priority.
• International Postdoctoral Research Fellows must have a long-term visitor’s visa endorsed for academic activities affiliated with MUT (Section 11(1)(b) Visitors Visa)
• At least 3 published journal papers in the last 24 months.
• Self-directed and ability to lead projects and learn new skills.
• Mature, organized, professional and courteous.
• Has not held full-time permanent academic or professional employment.
• Established track record of publications and conference contributions related to the outlined research areas.

Competencies:

• Have a mix of practical field skills, quantitative abilities, appreciation of interdisciplinary work, and a core commitment to achieving science- led sustainable agricultural development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.