Faculty Assoc in Interdisciplinary Science

Job Summary

The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is an engine of scientific discovery, with researchers working across the spectrum of agricultural and life sciences. Academically, the college offers research-based, hands-on teaching of undergraduates; world-class graduate programs rich in research and project assistantships; and short courses, workshops and other programs. Our outreach activities bring the work of the college to Wisconsin businesses, organizations and communities throughout the state.

The Department of Community and Environmental Sociology (CES) focuses on a wide array of issues from environmental degradation and globalization to sustainability and local food systems. The faculty is made up of an interdisciplinary group trained in fields ranging from sociology to science and technology studies and environmental studies. CES is an engaged group whose work, while theoretically informed, is often directed at intervening in and affecting real-life situations.

This position will take the lead on the social sustainability of farm labor research of the Soil Health and Agroecological Living Lab (SHALL), as well as providing additional capacity in the qualitative and mixed methods research of SHALL and its SHARE (Soil Health Alliance for Research and Engagement) partners. The main foci of the work will be:

• A. Identification of knowledge gaps and prioritization of high-impact, collaborative, and social science research and outreach efforts on agroecological living.
• B. Understanding the social, policy, economic, agronomic, and other constraints/determinants of use of soil health practices and agroecological living, especially their relation to well-being social sustainability.
• C. Taking the lead on SHALL's research and outreach on agricultural labor and workforce development to enhance the social sustainability of farming in Wisconsin and beyond.
• D. Understanding the opportunities and barriers for increasing soil health practices among diverse farm operators and farm employees.
• E. Better comprehension of how soil health and agroecological living are perceived and practiced across diverse farming and other communities.
• F. Developing stronger relationships working on soil health and agroecological living between academic, farm, and other stakeholders/partners across Wisconsin, extending public understanding of the relevance of agroecological living.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Collects and analyzes highly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
• Serves as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders providing expert level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• Identifies research problems and develops highly complex research methodologies and procedures. Publishes and presents results to help advance research
• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit and staff and resolve routine personnel issues
• Identifies, writes, or assists in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials and, disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures