Research Associate in Food Systems and Gender Analysis

The University of Bristol seeks a Research Associate in Food Systems and Gender Analysis for a UKRI international collaboration project. The role involves conducting interdisciplinary research, leading fieldwork in the UK, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have relevant postgraduate qualifications and experience in mixed-method research. The position is part-time, based at the University of Bristol, and involves travel for data collection and events.
The role

We are looking to appoint a researcher that will become a key member of the UKRI international collaboration “Observatory for Research and Practice on Food Systems and Social Reproduction”, an innovative multi-country research project between the University of Bristol (UK), Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS - South Africa), and the University of Ghana. You will be based at the University of Bristol Business School and work closely with Dr. Fiorella Picchioni, alongside an international team of researchers. The role is a unique opportunity to contribute to shape the future of the UK food system, through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the intersection of food systems and gender justice.

We are looking for someone to lead and conduct research on the interactions between food systems and social reproduction, using mixed-method and participatory research approaches. You will play a central role in producing high-impact research, shaping policy discussions, and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including academics, policymakers, NGOs, and local communities.

What will you be doing?
• Conduct interdisciplinary research on food systems, feminist theories.
• Lead a scoping exercise to analyse food policy environments, care economies, and dietary trends in the UK.
• Design and carry out fieldwork across UK food system nodes, using mixed-methods approaches including interviews, ethnography, creative methods, quantitative surveys.
• Develop and maintain a global community of practice, facilitating collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
• Organize and coordinate workshops, consultations, and public engagement activities across the UK, South Africa, and Ghana.
• Contribute or lead on academic journal papers and the dissemination of findings.
• Ensure highest standards of data governance and research reproducibility.
• Manage project dissemination platforms, including websites, podcasts, and social media.

You should apply if
• Have relevant postgraduate research/taught degree or working towards the completion of a PhD degree in relevant field.
• Have experience of working independently and collaboratively in international research projects.
• Are skilled in primary data collection, including survey design, interviews, and participatory research methods.
• Have experience in mixed-method research, with proficiency in tools such as NVivo, STATA, or SPSS.
• Professional approach to working with international partners, workers in the food systems, and other stakeholders.
• Track record of conducting research, writing it up for dissemination and presentation to different audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to organise own time and work to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Disposition to travel for data collection, attending conferences and professional development opportunities.

Additional information

For informal queries about the role please contact

Fiorella Picchioni - Fiorella.picchioni@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Open Ended with Fixed funding until 15/09/2028

Work pattern: Part time

School/Unit: Business School

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Thursday 22nd May 2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Available documents
• ACAD108079_Research Associate_JD.pdf
• Selection and appointment process information.pdf
• Further Particulars - Business School.pdf
• The Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences.pdf

£38,249 to £44,128. Grade I, per annum