Your tasks

The successful candidate will:

work within the NOSTRADAMUS Horizon Europe project (Research and Innovation Action) which seeks to develop a centralised Data Cube Ecosystem together with multifunctional open-source digital applications for key actors in the EU agricultural sector (e.g., farmers, advisors, SMEs, IT expert providers, policy makers) to support informed and sustainable decision making and transform the EU agricultural sector into a modern, highly efficient, inclusive, resilient and competitive sector;
engage in co-creation processes working in an interdisciplinary environment with experts on big data analytics, ecosystem modelling, soil science, geoinformatics, agroeconomics, computer engineering, environmental engineering, earth observation, among others (multi-actor approach);
conduct, publish and present high-quality and high-impact empirical research

analysing agricultural market and socio-economic data for farm decision making and policy creation,
investigating the socio-economic impact (direct and indirect effects) of the developed digital applications (e.g., cost-benefit analyses), and
contribute to transferring knowledge and co-designing (online) training activities and materials for key actors in the agricultural sector;

publish peer-reviewed papers, present at scientific conferences, participate in and provide support for research, organisational and administrative tasks and activities.

Your profile

PhD degree in (Agro) Economics, (Digital) Sociology, Education, Technology, Political Science or a related social science discipline
Strong interest in academic research and proficiency in quantitative (survey research, descriptive and inferential statistical analyses) and (to a lesser degree) qualitative research methods
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, German language skills are an asset
Experience in participating in European (collaborative) research projects is an asset (e.g., related to the Green Deal, Agriculture, Soil Health, Food, Climate Change, SDGs)
Track record of international publications, third-party funding and engagement in academic bodies
Ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, in an interdisciplinary and international research team
Motivated by personal and team accomplishments, flexible, efficient, reliable

The successful candidate will collaborate with Sabine Hoidn (project leader) in an EU cutting-edge research project. The position is based at the Research Institute of Sociology (SfS) and associated with the Chair of Sociology. We offer an interesting and challenging position in a stimulating and supportive environment with a vibrant team of researchers and excellent working conditions. The candidate will have opportunities to further their own research agenda and academic qualification, collaborate with other members of the SfS research group (e.g., joint publications, teaching), develop a strong academic network and is expected to (co-) apply for (additional) external funding. Funding for scientific conferences, additional training and research activities will be provided.

Inspirational Work Environment

At the HSG, as Europe's leading business university, we operate in an entrepreneurial environment where you will meet highly qualified, ambitious experts - both regionally and internationally. For example, you benefit from a modern IT infrastructure and, in our library via HSGswisscovery, from nationwide access to the wealth of scientific information available.

Executive Education

We support internal and external executive education opportunities. Our internal executive education programme offers you a practical, dedicated and didactically mature transfer of knowledge in the form of seminars, e-learning, coaching and collegial advice. We support task-specific external training and executive education financially as well as with regard to the time required.

Network

We promote our culture of cross-functional collaboration and create space for forging valuable relationships - also with external partners. Regular exchanges and internal events help to strengthen these relationships and make them long-lasting.

Family & Career

We provide our employees with flexible work time models with a variable number of hours per week. As a family-friendly employer, we offer part-time positions, 16 weeks of maternity leave and a subsidised crèche, as well as support with childcare during the vacations.

Equal Opportunities

The University enables equal opportunities for all employees and students. This applies to degree courses and work, as well as academic careers, university management positions and the reconciliation of studies, work and private commitments. We are committed to this with various measures in the areas of teaching, research, administration and the Presidency.

Fit and Healthy

We help you stay fit and healthy. In addition to our diverse range of sports activities at the university, most of which are free of charge, and campaign weeks for corporate health management, we also offer you fruit in the workplace. In our canteen you will find a wide selection of freshly prepared meals - from vegetarian to fish dishes - at discounted prices.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Sciences, Horizon Europe Project (m/w/d)