The Social Sustainability of Agriculture and Food Systems Lab at the University of Georgia is recruiting a PhD student to conduct research on the complexities of adoption of “climate-smart” agricultural practices in the United States. Advised by Dr. Jennifer Jo Thompson, the selected student will carry out mixed-methods social science research to increase understanding of the nuances of on-farm research and the barriers to adoption of conservation practices by commodity producers in the United States. The position will be funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of the Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership (IAMP), a public, private, tribal partnership focused on expanding conservation agricultural practices in the state of Idaho. 

The selected student will begin in Fall 2025 and work in the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia. 

The Social Sustainability of Agriculture and Food Systems Lab is a vibrant research group that uses mixed-methods social science to explore human dimensions of agriculture and sustainable food systems. Developing expertise in diverse theoretical and methodological approaches, the PhD student will use an equity lens to study the nuances of adoption of “climate-smart” agricultural practices by commodity producers in Idaho. Research methods will include qualitative and quantitative approaches, such as in-depth interviews, participant observation, Q methodology, surveys, and participatory workshops. The student will conduct in-person fieldwork in Idaho, working with collaborators—including the University of Idaho, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and producer cooperatives—to foster meaningful engagement with commodity producers across the state. The position includes funding for travel for data collection, as well as opportunities to present at scholarly and professional meetings. The student will also be encouraged to and supported in applying for additional grants and fellowships to further their research and professional development.  

  

Required qualifications: 

  • Independent work ethic. 
  • Strong writing and communication abilities. 
  • Interest in one or more of the following research areas: human dimensions of agriculture, socioecological systems, sustainable food systems, community-engaged research, and/or environmental justice. 
  • Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., human dimensions of agricultural, environmental anthropology, rural sociology, sustainability science, or environmental sciences). 
  • Enthusiasm for conducting in-person fieldwork in Idaho.  

Preferred qualifications: 

  • Experience with qualitative research methods and analysis (e.g., in-depth interviews, participant observation, focus groups, or qualitative coding). 
  • Experience in community-engaged research and/or outreach.  
  • Experience working with Tribal communities. 

To be considered for the position, please send the following materials by December 20, 2024

  • Curriculum vitae with three references to contact  
  • Statement of Interest (2-page max) 
  • Unofficial transcripts 
  • Academic writing sample (10-20 pages) 

Materials should be sent via email to Dr. Jennifer Jo Thompson ([email protected]) and Dr. Cydney Seigerman ([email protected]). If you have any questions about the opportunity, please reach out to Dr. Thompson or Dr. Seigerman.