FGI System Science Researcher

The Forever Green Initiative (FGI) is developing systems science research focused on advancing the development of FGI crops and Continuous Living Cover (CLC) cropping systems, transcending individual FGI crops. FGI Systems Science recognizes that CLC adoption is a multidimensional social and economic process. Adoption of a crop or cropping system is not a binary decision or clear one-directional process. Instead, it is a nuanced process influenced by economic considerations; non-economic factors including identity and visions for the future of one's farm, business, and community; perceptions of how risk will change through adoption and accessible risk-sharing support; and the sociocultural context and set of relationships the individual is embedded within.

The FGI Systems Science Research Specialist is currently a part-time position set up for 100 weeks that will work with the Systems Science team to develop a multidisciplinary, participatory framework to conceptualize the early adoption process. This framework will help guide research and understanding of social and economic dynamics and how they fit in the systems of CLC crops adoption, prepare stakeholders to address issues that arise, and be developed alongside an evaluation of the Economic and Environmental Clusters of Opportunity (EECO) program, Forever Green Initiative's primary support for farmer adoption of CLC crops. The initial focus will be on Kernza, camelina and hazelnuts.

Job Responsibilities

Participatory Systems Research (40%)

• Conduct participatory systems science research on social and economic issues influencing adoption of CLC cropping systems.
• Analyze adoption barriers, incentive structures, and supply-chain considerations.
• Contribute to development of conceptual frameworks guiding understanding of CLC adoption processes.

Stakeholder & Advisory Engagement (25%)

• Facilitate iterative, co-creative engagement processes with farmers, supply-chain partners, and public-private stakeholders.
• Assist in creating and supporting advisory panels for Kernza, camelina, and hazelnuts.

Qualitative Research & Methodology (20%)

• Develop and apply qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, workshops).
• Review existing documentation (strategy retreats, reports, advisory materials).
• Collaborate with FGI leadership and partner initiatives.

Metrics & Governance Evaluation (10%)

• Establish metrics for monitoring social outcomes of CLC adoption.
• Develop governance assessment metrics and recommend best practices for research teams and public-sector collaborators.

Scholarly Contributions & Dissemination (5%)

• Contribute to academic publications and presentations.
• Support FGI's broader research goals by sharing findings with internal and external audiences.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least six years of experience.
• Academic training and work experience in relevant fields, including but not limited to rural sociology/sociology, supply chain management or supply chain logistics or business administration
• Knowledge of continuous living cover (CLC) agriculture production systems and associated supply chains.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant advanced academic training (including but not restricted to M.S. or MPA)
• Work experience with relevant aspects of supply chains
• Established relationships with relevant supply-chain actors and other partners in supply-chain development
• Experience and a track record of success in agricultural research or business.

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strength in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science and crop physiology. Faculty research programs are focused on improvement of traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices for crops that are of key importance to agriculture in the upper Midwest and beyond.

Pay Range: $50.38 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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