Careers

Four PhD positions available with PLATE

We are looking for four new PhD candidates to join PLATE - the Swedish Research Centre for Resilient Meals! PLATE envisions a strengthened food service sector that serves as a cornerstone in building a resilient, sustainable, and competitive Swedish food system, ensuring well-being for all.

Position 1: Transformative capacities in civil society

This position is part of the FAIRTRANS and PLATE research programmes. The research focuses on understanding how civil society actors in Sweden contribute to a fossil-free future and a resilient food system. The project will analyse efforts to include civil society organizations in transformation processes and assess their capacities to drive fair climate transitions. Using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, document analysis, workshops, and observations, this research will explore social learning and co-creation in shaping transformative capacities.

Learn more and apply by 22 April 2025 »

Position 2: The role of gastronomy in food system transformation

This role explores gastronomy’s role in transforming the food system for greater preparedness, sustainability, and competitiveness. Topics may include how produce quality affects meal experiences, meal presentation in different contexts, and the role of dining in conversations and diplomacy. The exact focus will be developed with the PhD student and may involve studies on sensory and culinary experiences of sustainable meals or how gastronomy serves as a platform for crisis preparedness and diplomacy.

Learn more and apply by 22 April 2025 »

Position 3: Behavioural interventions in ‘meal environments’

This position focuses on designing and evaluating behavioral interventions in public and private ‘meal environments’. The effects of these interventions will be evaluated through field experiments and the data generated will be analysed using statistical methods. Tasks will also include conducting and analysing large-scale and smaller survey studies, as well as carrying out interviews with private and public actors within the food system.

Learn more and apply by 22 April 2025 »

Position 4: Resilient meals and agricultural systems

This PhD position is based at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and centers on developing criteria and indicators for resilient meals. The research will involve evaluating existing meals in terms of resilience, sustainability, health, and robustness. A key component of the work includes creating biophysical models to assess the resilience of Swedish agricultural production under various types of disruptions. In close collaboration with stakeholders across the food system, the project will also test and refine practical tools and strategies to enhance food system resilience.

Learn more and apply by 22 April 2025 »