[ES_JOBS_NET] recruiting master student, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, Bishop's University

Fri May 31 04:48:07 MDT 2024

Hello,

I am currently seeking to recruit a master student in my lab to start this fall. Please see the call below. Thank you.

Individualized Masters (Social Sciences) - Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS)
The Department of Environment, Agriculture and Geography at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, seeks to appoint a highly qualified candidate with a strong interest in sustainable food systems for a 2-year thesis-based, Individualized Masters in the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) program.
There is growing consensus that agrifood systems-that is, the interconnected network of activities and actors, from agricultural production to consumption-are transgressing critical planetary boundaries, failing to adequately nourishing people, and creating social inequities and injustices. Addressing these systemic failures requires a deep transformation. Dr. Valencia's Lighthouse Lab investigates how to transform the food system by studying 'lighthouses', that is, extraordinary farms and food system initiatives that operate in ways that reduce ecological footprint, improve biodiversity conservation, increase the use of ecological processes for crop production, and integrate gender equity and social justice.

The master student will undertake a program of original research under the supervision of Dr. Vivian Valencia (Research Chair in Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action) and in collaboration with Dr. Valencia's Lighthouse Lab, which includes a postdoctoral researcher, undergraduate students, a research assistant, and faculty from the SAFS faculty team (www.ubishops.ca/safs<http://www.ubishops.ca/safs>). This master's project is embedded in a larger research program as part of Dr. Valencia's 'lighthouse lab', with the overarching aim of co-creating transformation pathways for the Quebec agrifood system.

Applications are welcome from students in various fields such as agronomy, ecology, environmental studies, sociology, geography, economics, political science, and nutrition. Applicants should demonstrate in their cover letter how their knowledge and skills apply to analyzing food systems and discuss their research interests in relation to the Lighthouse Lab's work.

The project centers on Quebec, a region witnessing a growing agroecological niche, providing a distinctive context due to its history of endorsing environmental agriculture. Quebec's robust niche, challenging the prevailing industrialized agrifood system, presents an intriguing setting for examining food systems transformation. It is a timely and pivotal location for this research, poised to significantly contribute to discussions and evidence concerning sustainability transitions. Additionally, the research team's ongoing pilot project and well-established connections with regional food system stakeholders enhance the feasibility and impact of this study.

Key responsibilities:
Under the supervision of Dr. Valencia, the selected candidate will be responsible for:

  *   Research conceptualization
  *   Design and implementation of workshops
  *   Data analysis
  *   Report writing in English
  *   Publication in peer-reviewed journals and other non-scientific outlets (e.g., blogs, newspaper articles)
Required skills:

  *   A bachelor's degree with a minimum average of 75% or equivalent (3.0/4.0 or B-)
     *   Bachelor's degree may be in environmental sciences, environmental studies, geography, ecology, sociology, economics, political science, or other relevant fields.
  *   English language proficiency
Recommended skills:

  *   Experience in interdisciplinary work
  *   Experience in conducting field work (e.g., interviews) with farm and/or food system actors
  *   Experience in collecting and analyzing social, economic, and/or environmental data
  *   Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  *   Scientific writing and communication skills
  *   Interest to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary research team
  *   Working French communication skills
This position will be based at the Department of Environment, Agriculture, and Geography at Bishop's University, located in Quebec's Eastern Townships. The region is renowned for its agro-tourism, organic and community-supported food production, and a growing culture of entrepreneurship within the context of sustainable agriculture. Bishop's 500-acre campus includes a new 140-acre Educational Farm (www.ubishops.ca/farm<http://www.ubishops.ca/farm>), which is currently under development. The farm will be a showpiece of sustainable agriculture design, and serve as the setting for the SAFS programs' practical teaching and research projects.
Bishop's University observes an equal access employment in public bodies for women, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, Indigenous and disabled people (including the possibility of accommodation during the selection process). Candidates who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the process may contact Human Resources at HR at ubishops.ca<mailto:HR at ubishops.ca>. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, but all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

There is a $14,000 stipend per year, plus $2000 funding for research costs.  The selected student will also be expected to apply to the Graduate Entrance Scholarship which, if successful, could provide an additional $7,500 per year. In addition, the selected student will be expected to apply for the appropriate FRQ and CGS-M scholarships (if eligible) for their second year of studies. The successful applicant is expected to start September 1, 2024 (in exceptional cases, a start date in January 2025 may be possible).

Required supporting documents for admissions:

  *   Transcript(s)
  *   Cover letter explaining how the student's education, skills (see 'recommended skills' section), experience, and interests match the call. The letter should also explain the student's research interest and what type of research questions/topics they would like to investigate.
  *   UPON REQUEST: Letter(s) of recommendation from professors, other than the supervisor(s), who can comment on intellectual capacity, ability to do research in the intended field, and chances of success in a graduate environment.
     *   Current Bishop's University Students must provide one (1) letter of recommendation and other applications must provide two (2) letters of recommendation.
     *   Letters of recommendation must also be sent via email to admissions at ubishops.ca<mailto:admissions at ubishops.ca> by the reference professor along with the applicant's name.
All documents must be sent by email as one PDF file, labelled by last name-Postdoc (e.g., Smith-masters.pdf) to Dr. Valencia at vvalenci at ubishops.ca<mailto:vvalenci at ubishops.ca>. Review of applications will begin on June 20, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Bishop's University is located on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people.

Vivian Valencia, PhD
Research Chair in Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action
Chaire de Recherche sur l'Agriculture Durable et l'Action Climatique
Bishop's University

Recently in the news...
Planting seeds of change in The Sherbrooke Record. September 13, 2023. https://www.sherbrookerecord.com/planting-seeds-of-change/
CBC All in a weekend New research chair at Bishop's University searches for a "lighthouse network" of innovators. Aired Sept. 17, 2023 https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-78-all-in-a-weekend/clip/16009997-new-research-chair-bishops-university-searches-lighthouse-network
La production alimentaire dans la mire d'une professeure de Bishop's in La Tribune. Septebmer 7, 2023 https://www.latribune.ca/actualites/actualites-locales/sherbrooke/2023/09/07/la-production-alimentaire-dans-la-mire-dune-professeure-de-bishops-KY5PE2JPI5GS3GD5VXY2N2BCP4/
La Pre. Vivian Valencia nommée titulaire de la nouvelle Chaire de recherche en agriculture durable et action climatique in AMEQ en ligne. September 8, 2023. https://ameqenligne.com/article/education/niveau/universitaire/1/1038811/la-pre-vivian-valencia-nommee-titulaire-de-la-nouvelle-chaire-de-recherche-en-agriculture-durable-et-action-climatique.html

+1 438 372-3756<tel:+14383723756>
vvalenci at ubishops.ca<mailto:vvalenci at ubishops.ca>
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianvalencia/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vivian_Valencia
@vivi817

Founding Supporter of the Chair: TD Ready Commitment
Soutien fondateur de la Chaire: La Promesse TD prêts à agir

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