Doctoral Researcher in Food Literacy and Sustainable Behaviour

About the FHSE

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences.
People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty's research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society.

The research project PALATE (Participatory Actions for Lifestyle Adaptation & Transition Engagement) explores how participatory governance structures, food democracy initiatives and multi-stakeholder collaboration contribute to sustainable food-system transformation in Luxembourg. The project seeks to generate actionable knowledge for policymakers, practitioners and civil society while advancing scientific understanding of food sovereignty, food governance and sustainability transitions. It contributes to Social Readiness withing the overall Climate Nexus Framework, by examining food-related behavioural change and participatory transitions toward sustainable lifestyles.

Your role

• Conduct an original PhD research project leading to a doctoral degree
• Carry out literature reviews on food literacy, sustainable consumption and behavioural change
• Design and implement qualitative and mixed-methods research
• Conduct interviews, focus groups, participant observation and surveys
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative datasets
• Contribute to stakeholder workshops and co-creation activities
• Publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals
• Participate in doctoral training activities and the University's doctoral programme
• Contribute to project reports, policy briefs and dissemination activities

Your profile

• Master's degree in Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, Political Sciences, History and/or Geography in the field of food studies or related study areas
• Experience in research project management and conduct, ideally in interdisciplinary contexts
• In-depth knowledge of Luxembourg's foodscape, both of the existing interrelations and the cultural and socio-economic stakes, is a prerequisite
• Previous research work on sustainable food practices and system is a plus
• Experience and excellent skills in qualitative methods, e.g., individual and group interviews, oral history, ethnography, participant observation, focus groups, as well as good knowledge of quantitative methods - descriptive statistics
• Interest in food studies, transformative research, agroecological and food system transition studies, practice theory, political ecology, theory of change, as well as governance, governmentality and policy coherence approaches
• Operational Language Requirements: Excellent command of English is required

Academic Eligibility (Thesis):

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08510

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 44531 (full time).