Sustainable and Humane Food Systems Data Science Fellow, Stanford Law School

Stanford University is seeking a Sustainable and Humane Food Systems Data Science Fellow for its Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program. This full-time position focuses on analyzing spatial datasets and conducting research on sustainability issues in food systems, particularly related to animal welfare and environmental justice. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
About the position

The Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy (ENRLP) Program at Stanford Law School, in collaboration with the Climate and Energy Policy Program (CEPP) at Stanford's Woods Institute for the Environment, is seeking applications for a Sustainable and Humane Food Systems Data Science Fellow. This full-time fellowship is designed for early-career technical scholars who are passionate about the intersection of domestic food systems, agricultural sector pollution, animal welfare, environmental justice, and equitable climate and energy policy design. The Fellow will be an integral part of a vibrant community at the Law School, reporting directly to the ENRLP Program Faculty Director and collaborating with leaders from CEPP within the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. The fellowship presents a unique opportunity to contribute to a new initiative aimed at fostering a sustainable, humane, and climate-friendly modern food system. This initiative will focus on policy-informed research and the regulatory and legislative processes necessary to enhance outcomes for animals, the environment, and agriculturalists in California and beyond. The Fellow will initially address sustainability challenges posed by Confined Animal Feeding Operations, tackling issues such as water pollution, energy consumption, carbon management, zoonotic disease, and antibiotic resistance. An evidence-based approach, coupled with an equity lens, will be essential in addressing these concerns. The Fellow will engage in the analysis and visualization of various spatial datasets, which may include satellite data, air and water quality data, and methane emissions data. While prior experience with these specific datasets is not mandatory, a willingness to apply expertise to new policy-relevant questions is crucial. As the Sustainable and Humane Food Systems initiative is in its nascent stages, the Fellow will have the opportunity to influence its future direction beyond the initial focus areas. This role requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field, strong academic credentials, excellent writing and editing skills, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. The Fellow will also need to demonstrate sound judgment and ethical standards in providing evidence-based analysis and policy engagement.

Responsibilities
• Analyze and visualize spatial datasets related to food systems and environmental issues.
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• Conduct policy-informed research on sustainability issues raised by Confined Animal Feeding Operations.
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• Collaborate with community and policy stakeholders to improve outcomes for animals and the environment.
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• Shape the future direction of the Sustainable and Humane Food Systems initiative.
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• Engage in evidence-based analysis and provide policy recommendations.
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• Work with GIS software to perform geographic analysis of spatial data.

Requirements
• Ph.D. in geography, data science, statistics, remote sensing, or a related field.
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• Strong academic credentials and excellent writing and editing abilities.
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• Interpersonal and teamwork skills with a collaborative spirit.
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• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
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• Strong organizational and management skills with attention to detail.
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• Self-motivated with the ability to work with students and diverse policy stakeholders.
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• Sound judgment and exceptional ethical standards in analysis and policy engagement.
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• Ability to create and analyze spatial datasets using GIS software.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience creating interactive data visualizations.
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• Familiarity with cartography and design principles.
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• Experience working with large databases.
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• Knowledge of machine learning methods.
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• Ability to work with satellite data alongside other spatial datasets.
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• Experience collaborating across disciplines with subject matter experts.

Benefits
• Competitive salary range of $72,000 - $80,000 per year.
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• Opportunity for professional development and networking within a prestigious institution.
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• Access to Stanford University's resources and facilities.