Postdoctoral Position: Urban Food Sharing & Sustainable Food Systems, University of Barcelona, Spain

Regional Studies Association; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 48.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A prestigious academic institution in Barcelona is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a Horizon Europe project on urban food governance. This role involves co-leading governance analyses, collaborating with local partners, and contributing to research outputs. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in relevant fields, has expertise in sustainability, and possesses strong academic publication records. The position offers a competitive salary of €48,000 gross per year with an initial 12-month full-time contract, renewable until December 2026.

Formación

• Expertise in sustainability, governance, and urban food systems.
• Experience in participatory research and social innovation.
• Strong record of academic publications.

Responsabilidades

• Co-lead the Comparative Governance Analysis work package.
• Support implementation of urban food governance innovations.
• Organise and attend project meetings across Europe.

Conocimientos

Research collaboration

Project coordination

Sustainability expertise

Excellent written and spoken English

Educación

PhD in social sciences, environmental sciences, urban studies or related fields

Descripción del empleo

The University of Barcelona is hiring a postdoctoral researcher for the Horizon Europe project CULTIVATE: Co-designing food sharing innovation for resilience. The position will begin in late October 2025 and is offered as a 12-month full-time contract, with potential extension until December 2026.

About the Project:

CULTIVATE is a Horizon Europe project advancing sustainability and resilience in urban and peri-urban areas through the Food Sharing Compass – an innovative platform supporting food sharing initiatives, policy makers, researchers, and citizens. It integrates databases, governance tools, engagement strategies, and a Community of Practice to scale and strengthen food sharing across Europe.

Key Functions
• Co-lead the Comparative Governance Analysis work Package and assist with project administration.
• Support the co-design and implementation of urban food governance innovations.
• Coordinate with Barcelona-based partners including the City Council, Espigoladors, and PEMB.
• Contribute to research outputs: academic publications, policy tools, and guidebooks.
• Organise and attend project meetings, trainings, and dissemination events across Europe.

Requirements
• PhD in social sciences, environmental sciences, urban studies, or related fields.
• Expertise in sustainability, governance, urban food systems, and/or critical food studies.
• Experience with participatory research, transdisciplinary collaboration, and social innovation.
• Strong record of academic publications and project coordination.
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of Spanish or Catalan is an asset.
• Willingness to work collaboratively and engage with Barcelona’s food governance ecosystem.

Conditions
• Location: Food Action and Research Observatory (FARO), Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Barcelona.
• Salary: €48,000 gross per year.
• Start date: End of October 2025.
• Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), initially for 12 months, renewable until December 2026.

Application Process

The official call will be published on EURAXESS in September 2025 and will remain open for a short period (10 days). Applications will require: CV, cover letter, and standard UB application form. Email us if you need additional information.

Interested candidates are encouraged to express their interest early by contacting: Dr. Ana Moragues Faus – [e-mail] Email subject: CULTIVATE – Postdoctoral Position