Postdoctoral researcher position at the University of Waterloo, Faculty of the Environment
Mapping Incentives for Sustainable Agriculture in Canada and North America
Join Dr. Dustin Garrick’s research group, Blue Range Labs, as a post-doctoral researcher and help develop datasets and cutting-edge methods for tracking how public spending (agricultural subsidies and conservation payments) shape farmer- and group-level decisions about the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across Canada with potential for comparative work across North America. The position forms part of an exciting interdisciplinary project, Solutionscapes, led by Dr. Nandita Basu at the University of Waterloo, with an aim of addressing climate solutions at the food-water-energy nexus.
The successful candidate will contribute to research on one or more of the following areas:
- Developing an accounting framework for integrating datasets on public financial flows that enable or impede adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
- Creating a spatially explicit dataset to examine financial flows at the farm and regional levels, with a focus in Canada.
- Exploring how subsidies affect farm- and group-level decisions about whether and where to adopt different types of sustainable agricultural practices.
- Modelling the effects of different types and magnitudes of public spending on conservation outcomes at the farm-, regional-, and landscape-level.
- Assessing opportunities and barriers for spatially coordinated incentives to enhance adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
The successful candidate will conduct original research and receive active mentorship support to link the position with long-term career goals. The position is expected to last 1-2 years.
Qualifications
- PhD with a focus on water economics and governance in the context of agriculture and food systems (e.g. geography, economics, policy sciences, land system science, and related fields).
- Strong geospatial skills and quantitative techniques
- Ability to conduct both independent and collaborative research
- Strong English language writing and communication.
Additional Desirable Qualifications
- Expertise in finance and accounting.
- Experience with large data sets, including spatial data, and database development.
- Network analysis skills.
- Proficiency and efficiency with programming for spatial modelling applications.
- Mentorship skills for junior researchers (undergraduate, masters, and PhD students).
About Blue Range Labs
The University of Waterloo offers a vibrant and supportive intellectual environment with a reputation for research excellence and innovation, as well as a strong link between science, policy and enterprise. It is located along the Grand River, one of Canada’s Heritage River Systems, which has nurtured Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years.
Blue Range Labs is an interdisciplinary research group led by Dr. Dustin Garrick, University Research Chair in Water and Development Policy. We strive for excellence and impact by connecting water and development policy. Our defining feature is range – working across disciplines, methods, and the divide between research and practice – to address pressing water challenges in the context of development policy and practice, particularly the water allocation and adaptation challenges associated with rapid agricultural and urban transitions. We collaborate with researchers, practitioners, artists, and communities across a network of observatories and partnerships at the intersection of four themes: (1) mapping the shifting geography of water conflict and cooperation, (2) valuing and allocating water for sustainable development, (3) designing and evaluating adaptation pathways to enhance food and water security, and (4) indicator development and evidence synthesis for more inclusive and sustainable water management. Our impact lab links research and impact through four channels: applied policy research, training and capacity building, indicator development, and entrepreneurship. We have 40+ graduate student alumni and a global network of early career and senior fellows working toward a shared agenda. Join us!
To apply
To apply or for more information contact Dustin Garrick at dustin.garrick@uwaterloo.ca.
Applications should be a single pdf containing:
- a cover letter describing interests and skills as related to the job description,
- a CV,
- a writing sample, ideally a journal publication relevant for the job scope
- the contact information for three references
Evaluation of applications will begin on December 15th and will be rolling after that.
Our commitment to reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.
