Vacant job

Are you passionate about developing a more sustainable agricultural and food system and want to do it together with researchers, companies, authorities, and other societal actors? Then you might be the right person for us!

The unit Sustainable Food Systems gathers around 20 researchers and specialists working towards a sustainable transformation of the food system through applied and solution-oriented research. Through systems analytical and interdisciplinary work and in close collaboration with industry, the public sector, and academia, we develop knowledge, data, and methods that enable sustainable decisions throughout the food chain – from sea and soil to table.

About the role We are now looking for an experienced researcher who wants to contribute to and further develop our research and assignments in the field of sustainable agriculture. Currently, 7–8 people in the group work on issues such as plant production, the role of animals in sustainable food systems, biodiversity, environmental indicators, climate calculations, soil health, and method development within LCA. We also collaborate broadly within RISE with complementary competencies.

Our work encompasses everything from multi-year national and international research projects to shorter assignments for companies, authorities, and environmental organizations. We take joint responsibility for developing the field and focus on the whole rather than individual projects.

As a researcher in sustainable agriculture with us, you will:

• Be a driving force in the development of the research area of sustainable agriculture
• Lead your own research projects and contribute to others
• Initiate and drive applications, both independently and in collaboration with colleagues and external parties
• Work strategically to develop the area both in the short and long term
• Conduct shorter client assignments within your and the group's expertise
• Represent RISE in relevant forums internally and externally

The position is located at the unit Sustainable Food Systems within RISE's Food Department, based in Gothenburg, Lund, or Uppsala. Please note that this position may require a security clearance, either later in this process or in the future.

Who are you? We are looking for someone who:

• is a PhD agronomist, biologist, ecologist, environmental scientist, or similar, with at least three years of work experience after obtaining their doctorate
• has documented experience in driving their own projects and research applications
• has good knowledge of the Swedish agricultural system and its environmental impact
• is experienced in project management and project creation
• expresses themselves well in speech and writing in Swedish
• is fluent in English

It is also meritorious if you have:

• experience with LCA and/or other systems science methods for environmental assessment of agriculture and primary production
• experience in developing methods and/or models for various types of sustainability assessments
• experience in applied projects so that you can act as a bridge between research and industry
• an established network in the research field, nationally and preferably internationally

As a person, you are unpretentious, social, and thrive in a team where we solve complex challenges together. You take initiative, contribute energy, and are inspired by collaboration in interdisciplinary environments. Furthermore, you are analytical, meticulous, and deliver high quality. Since many of our partners are international, you also need to be fluent in English.

Are we right for each other? At RISE, we value diversity, and we are convinced that diversity creates an innovative environment where we collectively develop new knowledge and contribute to a more sustainable future. With us, engaged problem solvers gather to work on some of the greatest societal challenges of our time. Here, you will have excellent opportunities for both professional and personal development.

Welcome with your application! If you have questions, please contact Maria Hellström, unit manager, +46 10 516 66 30 or Ulf Sonesson, researcher, +46 10 516 66 17. The application deadline is January 9, 2026, but do not wait with your application as selection and interviews may occur continuously during the application period.

Our union representatives are Ingemar Petermann, SACO +46 10 228 41 22 and Linda Ikatti, Unionen, +46 10 516 51 61.

Research, RISE, agriculture, sustainability, LCA, environment, climate, biodiversity, agronomist, land use, ecologist, biologist, soil health, food, Uppsala, Gothenburg, Lund