Postdoctoral Associate Job Burlington area,Vermont USA,Research/Development

Post Doctoral Associate – Food Systems Research Institute

We are seeking a 2‑year post‑doctoral associate to collaborate with a multi‑disciplinary team to develop metrics that capture the well‑being benefits of local food purchasing. The research is funded by the University of Vermont’s Food Systems Research Institute and may be extended for a third year based on performance.

Project Summary

The project will employ a three‑phase approach: a systematic literature review and secondary data analysis to identify existing indicators; a hypothetical scenario experiment and regional survey to test causal relationships and validate the identified indicators; and a dissemination strategy to share findings with academic communities, stakeholders, and media. The goal is to produce validated metrics that assess health and well‑being outcomes associated with local food purchasing, thereby supporting FSRI’s broader effort to assess food system sustainability.

Responsibilities

Conduct systematic literature reviews and secondary data analyses to identify and curate health and well‑being indicators related to local food purchasing.
Design and implement hypothetical scenario experiments and regional surveys to test causal relationships and validate indicators at the population level.
Analyze quantitative data using cross‑sectional and panel models, causal inference designs, and data visualization techniques.
Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations to disseminate research findings and developed metrics.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, coordinate research activities, and contribute to open‑science practices.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in Applied Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Sustainability Sciences, Public Health, or a related discipline.
Strong quantitative analytical skills, including causal inference, cross‑sectional and panel modeling, and data visualization.
Proficiency with statistical software and ability to work with diverse data types.
Experience in data management, curation, and reproducible research (e.g., version control, well‑documented code, pre‑registration).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with interdisciplinary teams on food systems or environmental research.
Background in researching difficult‑to‑quantify well‑being phenomena such as social connectedness or cross‑species belonging.
Project or lab management experience, including managing students and coordinating cross‑disciplinary research.
Commitment to open science and sharing data and outputs broadly.

Application Materials

Applicants should email a one‑page cover letter, full CV, and concise responses (1‑paragraph each) to the following prompts:

Highlight two or three quantitative outputs from your CV that best demonstrate your analytical skills and explain their relevance to this project.

Describe experience or attempts to quantify difficult‑to‑measure well‑being phenomena, relating these to the project’s goals.

State your primary goals for a post‑doctoral position and what you hope to accomplish.

Provide at least three references with their contact information and a brief description of your relationship to each.

All materials should be sent to Emily Belarmino (Emily.

Belarmino) and will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning May 31.

Compensation

Pay range: $63,480 per year.

Additional Information

Travel to and from work sites required.
Position eligible for a hybrid schedule per UVM telecommuting policy.
Background check required.
FLSA exempt; not a union position.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Vermont is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by federal or state law.

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