Doctoral Researcher – Vertical Farming (2 positions) At United Nations University

Job description

About United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

United Nations University for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)

UNU-FLORES develops strategies to resolve pressing issues in the sustainable use and integrated management of environmental resources such as water, soil, waste, energy, and other geo-resources that are of concern to the United Nations and its Member States – particularly in developing and emerging economies. Based in Dresden, Germany, the Institute engages in research, capacity development, postgraduate teaching, advanced training, and knowledge dissemination to advance the Resource Nexus. https://flores.unu.edu/

Doctoral Research

Project 1: Vertical Farming for Urban Food Security: Social Acceptance and Policy Recommendations for Building Communities

For the last 30 years, modern vertical farming has sought to increase the productivity of farms in regions with limited land resources. Despite the vast benefits and increasing investments, vertical farms are not yet profitable. The aims of this study are to assess the social acceptance of vertical farming and identify the barriers to its success. The results of the study will provide science-based policy recommendations on sustainable urban agri-food management. While this study will focus on Singapore as an example of a global leader in vertical farming, it will also explore comparative studies with urban settings in the Global South (e.g., Indonesia). The selected student will also work in close collaboration with a second Doctoral Research project focusing on the Environmental Assessment of Vertical Farming.

Project 2: Environmental Assessment of Vertical Farming from a Resource Nexus Perspective

For the last 30 years modern vertical farming has sought to increase productivity of farms in regions with limited land resources. Despite the potential benefits and increasing investments, vertical farms are not yet profitable, and only limited scientific knowledge on their environmental sustainability. The aims of this study are to conduct environmental assessments of vertical farming. This study will focus on the experiences of Germany and selected cases from other parts of the world. Moreover, working in close collaboration with a Doctoral Research Project focusing on the social acceptance of vertical farming, the successful candidate will co-develop science-based policy recommendations for resource-efficient vertical farming.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to conduct research work on the topic of vertical farming for Urban Food Security under the guidance of supervisors at both UNU-FLORES and Technische Universitaet Dresden. Students will also collaborate with fellow doctoral students and senior scientists in research, event organisation and participation, publications where possible, and contribute to the Implementation Plan of UNU-FLORES and the mission of the United Nations. As a facet of the project, the students must consider the impact of their research on communities, and the potential for their research to be transferred upon completion of the doctorate.

Project 1:

1. Perform research work related to the project “Vertical Farming for Urban Food Security from a Resource Nexus perspective: Social Acceptance and Policy Recommendations for Building Communities”

• Research, write, and publish papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• Develop a robust methodology to identify and implement sustainable urban agri-food management in the context of real estate development/construction; and
• Support the development of a Resource Nexus approach for implementing vertical farming in urban regions.**

1. Provide support for Knowledge Dissemination**
   • Develop strategies for the dissemination and transfer of knowledge to other regions that face similar challenges;
   • Publishing results in the appropriate media and presenting findings at conferences and seminars; and
   • Report research progress to the supervising team and in the project management system of UNU-FLORES.**
2. Assist in Capacity Development**
   • Organise activities such as workshops related to the research project; and
   • Contribute to the Institute’s capacity development activities.**
3. Provide support in Educational Development**
   • Work closely alongside the supervising team with the eventual goal of co-supervising master theses in the research field; and
   • Contribute to the Institute’s educational programme, teaching activities, and events.**
4. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the Director.**

Project 2:

1. Perform research work related to the project “Environmental Assessment of Vertical Farming from a Resource Nexus Perspective**”**
• Research, write, and publish papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• Develop a robust methodology to assess the intensity, efficiency, and sustainability of water, nutrient, energy, land, and soil usage in the context of vertical farming; And
• Support the development of a Resource Nexus approach for minimising the environmental footprint of vertical farming.
2. Provide support for Knowledge Dissemination
• Develop strategies for the dissemination and transfer of knowledge to other regions that face similar challenges;
• Publishing results in the appropriate media and presenting findings at conferences and seminars; and
• Report research progress to the supervising team and in the project management system of UNU-FLORES.**

1. Assist in Capacity Development**
   • Organise activities such as workshops related to the research project; and
   • Contribute to the Institute’s capacity development activities.**
2. Provide support in Educational Development**
   • Work closely alongside the supervising team with the eventual goal of co-supervising master theses in the research field; and
   • Contribute to the Institute’s educational programme, teaching activities, and events.**
3. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the Director.**

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Project 1

• An excellent academic profile including a Master’s degree at least grade 2.5 or equivalent according to the German system in Environmental Science or Social Sciences or a closely related field;
• At least five years of working and/or education experience in Singapore and/or Indonesia is desirable;
• Working knowledge of vertical farming, the science-policy interface, and/or agri-food sector is mandatory;
• Experience in drafting complex reports, communications, and presentations is required;
• Experience of the Resource Nexus would be highly advantageous;
• Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently;
• Must be flexible with the ability to establish priorities and work within prescribed timeframes;
• An excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Demonstrated proficiency in English is required;
• Fluency in an official language (in addition to English) of Singapore and/or Indonesia is desirable;
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Project 2

• An excellent academic profile including a Master’s degree at least grade 2.5 or equivalent according to the German system in Environmental Science, Resource Management, Sustainability, or a closely related field;
• Must have experience with Environmental Assessment methods;
• Knowledge and/or experience of vertical farming, the Resource Nexus, or resource economics acquired through education, work, advanced training, scientific thesis, internship, or equivalent would be highly advantageous;
• Strong quantitative background in statistics and data analysis;
• Strong interest and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment;
• Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently;
• Must be flexible with the ability to establish priorities and work within prescribed timeframes;
• An excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Demonstrated proficiency in English is required;
• Fluency in German is desired; Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset;

Duration and remuneration project 1

UNU-FLORES will provide a monthly salary of EUR 783 for the duration of the Doctoral Research (up to a maximum of 6 years). Funding is provided by BOB Immobilienkonzepte GMBH. This salary is expected to cover relocation, living and education expenses. While the Doctoral programme is tuition-free, semester fees of approximately EUR 250-300 will need to be paid directly to TU Dresden for enrollment. For additional information on the programme and the admission procedure, please visit our website.

The duration of the initial contract is for one (1) year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract for position one is offered as a part-time 50% position with UNU-FLORES, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA is 65 years.

Duration and remuneration project 2

UNU-FLORES will provide a monthly salary of EUR 1,566 for the duration of the Doctoral Research (up to a maximum of 4 years). Funding is provided by BOB Immobilienkonzepte GMBH. This salary is expected to cover relocation, living and education expenses. While the Doctoral programme is tuition-free, semester fees of approximately EUR 250-300 will need to be paid directly to TU Dresden for enrollment. For additional information on the programme and the admission procedure, please visit our website.

The duration of the initial contract is for one (1) year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract for position one is offered as a full-time 100% position with UNU-FLORES, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA is 65 years.

Starting Date: as soon as possible

How to Apply:

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply line
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
• Please submit the following documents as one PDF file:
• fill out the UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• A completed and signed Doctoral Programme application form
• A short research proposal (max two pages) describing how you would approach the research topic;
• Copies of ALL university transcripts, including the German equivalent grade;
• Copy of TOEFL/IELTS or evidence proving that English was the language of instruction for at least one of the previously completed degree programmes, in the form of a letter issued by the relevant university authority
• Abstract of MSc thesis (or equivalent);
• Two reference letters;

Candidates who do not provide all required documents will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline: 27 March 2022
Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special notice
PSA holders do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organization. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

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