About the Project and the Friedman School
We are seeking an outstanding candidate to conduct original research supported by the United States Department of Agriculture on the use of cellular agriculture. The postdoctoral scholar will work with our interdisciplinary research team to evaluate consumer preferences regarding cultivated meat and related products. This position will be based at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, located on Tufts University's Boston, MA campus. The Friedman School is a rare blend of interdisciplinary nutrition research and policy expertise, and a leader in science, education, and public policy, whose faculty work together to address large and complex food systems issues across the globe. The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to join over 200 Friedman School graduate students, other postdoctoral scholars, and faculty in seminars, workshops, and other scholarly and social activities as part of the Friedman School, the larger Tufts community, and Boston-area community of food systems scholars.
Duties & Responsibilities
Dr. Sean Cash will serve as the primary mentor for the postdoctoral scholar, who will also work with Drs. David Kaplan (Tufts Engineering), Nicole Blackstone (Tufts Nutrition), and collaborators elsewhere. The postdoctoral scholar has a unique opportunity to work with our interdisciplinary team to develop and implement methods for comparing expert and consumer priorities regarding cultivated meats and also broader issues of sustainable diets and acceptance of new food technologies. Overall, the postdoctoral scholar will work with a transdisciplinary team, including biomedical engineers, food scientists, environmental impact modelers, and economists, and will be part of a cohort of postdoctoral scholars based at the Friedman School working on sustainable diets. Key responsibilities of the postdoctoral scholar will include:
- Designing and collecting primary data through consumer surveys and experiments (e.g., best-worst scaling, discrete choice experiments) and expert elicitation
- Contributing economic components to integrated models of sustainable protein production
- Conducting data analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of statistical results
- Developing grant proposals to support research efforts
- Developing peer-reviewed publications, and abstracts for presenting research findings internally and at scientific meetings
- Synthesizing findings to support research efforts
- Supervising graduate student and intern projects
A major emphasis will be placed on leading original analyses and manuscripts, career development, and transition toward an independent research career; up to 10% of time will be available to support the chosen candidate's ongoing and new independent projects. A competitive salary, benefits, and travel/educational opportunities in the interdisciplinary environment at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy are offered. The position is for an 18-month period with renewal after the first 12 months; further extension of the appointment is possible contingent on funding availability. Position available starting in Spring 2022. Candidates from all over the world are encouraged to apply who are willing to conduct their research work in the US, at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA.
Required Education, Experience, and Skills
Applicants must have a PhD/DrPH/ScD in economics, applied economics, marketing, quantitative public policy, or a related field. A strong record of original, first-author publications is essential. Candidates must have familiarity with survey and experimental design and data collection, proficiency using appropriate statistical software (preferably R or STATA), excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work independently and with collaborators.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
Applicants who have a strong interest in food systems, sustainability, and/or the modeling of food preferences are preferred. Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: consumer experiments, survey design, Delphi techniques, and/or integrating economic components into life cycle assessment.
Application must include:
- Cover letter describing previous achievements, research interests, and why the candidate is suitable for this position (maximum 2 pages).
- CV including a list of relevant publications.
- Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers for at least two academic referees.
Tufts University, founded in 1852, prioritizes quality teaching, highly competitive basic and applied research, and a commitment to active citizenship locally, regionally, and globally. Tufts University also prides itself on creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Current and prospective employees of the university are expected to have and continuously develop skill in, and disposition for, positively engaging with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students.
Tufts University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty and staff and fostering their success when hired. Members of underrepresented groups are welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. See the University's Non-Discrimination statement and policy here https://oeo.tufts.edu/policies-procedures/non-discrimination/. If you are an applicant with a disability who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, please contact us by calling Johny Laine in the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) at 617-627-3298 or at johny.laine@tufts.edu. Applicants can learn more about requesting reasonable accommodations at https://oeo.tufts.edu/
