Vacant job

Are you passionate about developing sustainable food systems and want to work at the intersection of research, innovation, and practical application? Do you want to contribute to increased biodiversity by generating knowledge, data, and methods that make a real difference in the food chain? Then you might be the researcher we are looking for!

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 across the entire 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 within biodiversity in the food system. Currently, 7 people in the group work on issues such as calculating the biodiversity impact of products, processes, and agricultural methods, method development within biodiversity-related LCA, methods and frameworks for how companies and organizations can work with biodiversity, nature restoration, soil health, new technology for mapping and monitoring biodiversity, etc. 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 consider the whole rather than just our own projects.

As a researcher in biodiversity with us, you will:

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

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

Who are you? We are looking for someone who:

• is a PhD in biology, agronomy, environmental science, physical geography, or equivalent, with at least 3 years of work experience after the doctorate
• has documented experience in driving their own projects and research applications
• has good knowledge of Swedish agriculture and the food chain's impact on nature and biodiversity
• has experience in project management and the ability to create new collaborations
• expresses themselves well in spoken and written Swedish
• is fluent in English

It is also meritorious if you have:

• experience with LCA or other systems science tools
• experience in developing methods and/or models for assessing impacts on biodiversity
• experience in applied projects so that you can act as a bridge between research and industry
• an established network within 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 differences, and we are convinced that diversity creates an innovative environment where we collectively develop new knowledge and contribute to a more sustainable future. Here, engaged problem solvers come together to work on some of society's greatest challenges. 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 Georg Andersson, researcher, +46 10 516 65 16. 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, biodiversity, nature, sustainability, environment, climate, agriculture, food, LCA, biologist, ecologist, environmental scientist, Lund, Gothenburg, Uppsala