The Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere programme (GEDB) and the Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, both at The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, is hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow to work with the CAPS project (Climate Action though Product Sustainability in the food system).
About the position
The CAPS project invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position focused on the role of mid- and downstream actors in driving sustainability transformations and climate action within the food system. The position focus on examining how large food companies and retailers respond to policies, incentives, and emerging environmental expectations. The successful candidate will be affiliated with the Stockholm Resilience Centre and connected to its dynamic research networks.
The postdoctoral researcher may focus on two to three interconnected research themes, such as:
- Policies to shift the behaviour of mid- and downstream actors: exploring which policy instruments could most effectively influence the sustainability practices of large food companies.
- Future scenarios for mid- and downstream actors: using scenario-based approaches to examine how food supply chains might evolve under different social, ecological, and policy futures.
- Process tracing plant-forward grocery retail targets and ambitions: investigating how plant-forward targets emerge, develop over time, and shape corporate sustainability strategies and transformative capacities.
Read more about the CAPS project
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will:
- Conduct qualitative research, including semi-structured interviews and process tracing.
- Lead and co-author the core themes listed above.
- Engage with stakeholders across the food system, including retailers, producers, NGOs, and policymakers.
- Contribute to the broader project goal of translating sustainability insights into just and effective climate action.
Desired profile
We welcome applicants from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. Expertise in political science, public policy, sustainability governance, or supply-chain analysis is particularly relevant. Experience with qualitative methods, such as interviews, case studies, and stakeholder engagement, will be highly valuable. Because the project is interdisciplinary, we especially encourage applicants who can bridge social science perspectives with sustainability and food-system research.
About you
Applicants are expected to hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline/field (e.g. sustainability science, food systems, economics or environmental psychology).
In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. The following criteria will be used for assessing candidates:
- Research expertise: A track record demonstrating excellence within one or some of the research areas; sustainability science research, environmental psychology, environmental sciences, or ecological economics. Experience in handling both quantitative and qualitative data is valued (but not mandatory).
- Independence: Ability to formulate own original research ideas and conduct research independently.
- Collaborative abilities: Ability to work as a part of a team, and evidence of active involvement in collaborative research projects.
- Communication abilities: Ability to fluently communicate research ideas and results. This should include both written outputs and presentations at top conference venues. Excellent skills and high proficiency in spoken and written English.
Preferred qualifications
- Professional Working Proficiency in Swedish.
- Experience of supervising student work.
Strong emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.
About us
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences offers a unique workplace. We are a dedicated work team that works with Sweden’s foremost researchers in most subject areas. A task-based work organisation with freedom under responsibility and good benefits creates an inspiring work environment.
The Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics conducts interdisciplinary research on the interactions between ecological systems and economic development, with the aim of advancing knowledge for a sustainable future. The Institute brings together leading scholars to address global environmental change and its societal implications, fostering collaboration across disciplines and policy arenas.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences was founded in 1739 and is an independent organisation whose overall goal is to promote the sciences and strengthen their influence in society. The academy promotes science of the highest quality by stimulating the development and renewal of Swedish research, strengthens the position of science in society by drawing attention to important social issues and examining them from a scientific perspective, and participates in collaboration on global issues, with the aim of being an international, scientific actor for sustainable development.
Terms of employment
The position involves full-time fixed employment for two years.
Start date 2026-05-01, or as per agreement.
Employment is based at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden.
Application
We encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the position.
We look forward to your application no later than 2026-04-03.
Please include the following information with your application:
- Your contact details and personal data
- Your highest degree
- Your language skills
- Contact details for 2–3 references
and, in addition, please include the following documents:
- Cover letter, including:
- why you are interested in the advertised project
- what makes you a suitable candidate.
- Summary CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience.
- Exam certificates and grades that prove you fulfil the requirements.
- Publications in support of your application (no more than 5 PDF files).
Interviews and selection take place continuously. Mark your application with “Postdoc CAPS” and send by e-mail to: gedb_appl@kva.se
Employee with citizenship outside the EU requires a residence permit decision from the Swedish Migration Agency prior to the start of employment.
Contact
For questions, contact Malin Jonell (malin.jonell@su.se), project leader of CAPS and Theme Leader for the Transformational Futures theme at Stockholm Resilience Centre.
