Postdoctoral fellow in behavioural and applied economics of food systems

Department of Economics

The Department of Economics at SLU is now recruiting a postdoctoral fellow in applied economics with a strong interest in decision-making in the food sector and sustainability-related challenges.

About the position

The position is placed within the research group Decision-making and Managerial Behaviour and offers the opportunity to develop and drive an independent research agenda within applied economics. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to and collaborate on ongoing research activities in the group while pursuing their own research ideas aligned with the group’s overall focus.

The group employs a broad range of applied economic methods, including lab and survey-based experiments, field experiments, randomized controlled trials, and analysis of observational data. The research also includes methodological contributions related to consumer behaviour, preference elicitation, and decision-making under different informational and institutional settings. Research in the group draws primarily on economics and business administration while also working with researchers in other disciplines.

The successful candidate is expected to work independently and take an active role in developing new research projects and collaborations. At the same time, the position requires engagement with the research environment through collaboration, joint idea development, and contribution to the broader activities of the research group and department.

Teaching may be included in the position up to a maximum of 20%.

Your profile

A PhD in economics, or agricultural economics, or a closely related field must be completed before the start of the position. If the PhD has not yet been completed at the time of application, the planned date of the public defence must be stated. The PhD degree must have been awarded within three years of the position’s start date.

We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in applied microeconomic research related to decision-making in the food sector. Relevant research areas include consumer behaviour, farmer decision-making, behavioural economics, food and agricultural policy, and related topics within applied economics.

Applicants should have experience with experimental methods and/or empirical analysis of observational data with an emphasis on causal inference. Experience with methods such as lab or survey-based experiments, randomized controlled trials, scanner or purchase data, and causal econometric analysis is particularly valuable. Methodological research related to experiments, decision-making, and preference or belief elicitation is also relevant for the position.

To be successful in the role, documented experience of conducting high-quality research and strong analytical skills are required. The successful candidate should be able to work independently, formulate and drive their own research agenda, and actively contribute to collaborative research environments. We place great importance on the ability to initiate new research ideas, collaborate constructively with colleagues, and contribute to the intellectual environment of the research group and department.

A strong publication record relative to career stage is considered a merit. Excellent written and spoken English skills are essential. Personal qualities will play an important role in the recruitment process.

About us

The Department of Economics conducts research and teaches in both business administration and economics. Unique to the department is that great importance is placed on applied science, often in collaboration with the university's natural science subjects. Our activities relate to the food chain and to environmental and sustainability issues - from farm to fork - and we are organized based on four research groups with a focus on: entrepreneurship and innovation, decision-making and business management, agricultural sector economics, and natural resource and environmental economics. On behalf of the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy, and Industry, we run the AgriFood Economics Center together with Lund University. The department has just over 65 employees, of whom about 17 are doctoral students.

The position will be placed within the research group Decision-Making and Management. We strive to develop high-quality, relevant research for both society and companies in the green sector. In this group, the successful candidate will work in a stimulating context with leading expertise and broad networks in experimental methods, behavioral decision-making, sustainability accounting, and financial and risk analysis. The research primarily focuses on farmers, food supply chains, and consumers. The group consists of 7 members, including two doctoral students, researchers, associate professors, and a professor. The successful applicant will also have good opportunities to learn from and socialize with other postdoctoral fellows at the department.

For more information about the department or division visit: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/ekonomi/

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Uppsala

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As agreed. Preferably in October 2026.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 09 Sep 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

The application must contain:

1. CV including any publication list and contact information for at least two references who know the applicant and their qualifications.
2. Description of previous and ongoing research and a justification of the applicant's relevance to obtaining the position. Descriptions of preliminary research ideas are welcome. (Maximum two A4 pages.)
3. Copy of degree certificate, link to or copy of the doctoral dissertation, or proof of planned defence date.
4. If the applicant is from a country outside the EU and does not have English as a native language, an official certificate certifying knowledge of English is required.

Selected applicants will be invited to an interview.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.