Postdoctoral Researcher in Regional Self-Reliance and Carrying Capacity

The USDA Agricultural Research Service seeks a postdoctoral researcher with an interest in regional food systems to work in the Food Systems Research Unit in Burlington, VT. The incumbent will work with the Research Leader, Dr. Christian Peters, in support of the unit’s research on the contribution of regional food systems to environmental sustainability, economic viability, and improved nutrition. 

 

A key goal of Dr. Peters’ research program is to better understand the bio-physical capacity of agricultural landscapes to sustainably supply human food needs. To this end, the incumbent will plan and conduct statistical and modeling studies to estimate the historical capacity of the Northeast U.S. to rely on regionally sourced food and to quantify how human carrying capacity of agricultural landscapes is influenced by the quantity and composition of animal sourced protein in the diet. The incumbent will start with existing spreadsheet models of regional self-reliance and carrying capacity and will be expected to enhance these approaches to more rapidly update input data, run analyses at different spatial or temporal scales, and to consider alternate scenarios. 

 

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in agronomy, animal science, ecology, food systems or a related field. Knowledge of spreadsheet modeling, databases, ArcGIS, programming in R, or other relevant computational methods is highly desirable. The incumbent will be expected to prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and to present at scientific meetings.

 

This is a 13-month position renewable for up to three years, contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance. The position is available immediately.

 

To apply, send a CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the position to Dr. Peters (Christian.peters2@usda.gov) by January 15, 2023. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents seeing U.S. Citizenship may apply.

 

USDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider