Join us in working side-by-side with Indigenous scholars and leaders from around the world to study indigenous-led contributions to water-food/land and energy security in the face of Green Colonialism

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Core tasks

• Lead and co-design research on Indigenous bioeconomy models in the Brazilian Amazon, with particular focus on traditional and forest-based production systems, food-water-land security, and climate resilience
• Conduct fieldwork and community-engaged research (minimum 4 months), preferably with Indigenous and local communities in Pará or neighboring Amazonian regions.
• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, including traditional ecological knowledge, to generate policy-relevant research outputs.
• Contribute to publications in high-impact academic venues and contribute to policy briefs and stakeholder dialogues.
• Present findings at international conferences and workshops.
• Support grant writing and project engagement with global research partners.

Your profile:

• PhD in Environmental Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Human Geography, Political Ecology, Development Studies, Agroecology, or related fields.
• Extensive fieldwork experience in the Brazilian Amazon, preferably in Pará.
• Proven expertise in bioeconomy, agroforestry, rural development, or socio-environmental governance.
• Strong experience with participatory and community-engaged research methods.
• Publication record or demonstrated research impact.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Brazilian Portuguese.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative international projects

Preferred: 

• Prior work with Indigenous Peoples and Ribeirinho communities.
• Experience engaging with public policies, territorial governance, or development programs in the Amazon.
• Academic and professional networks in Pará and the wider Amazon region.
• Experience bridging academia, policy, and community practice.

The Institute of Management in Latin America (GIMLA) is part of the University of St. Gallen. GIMLA has a small and collaborative team that conducts interdisciplinary research and teaching on socio-economic, political, and environmental transformations in Latin America, with a strong focus on sustainability, development, and governance. The Institute provides a collaborative academic environment that supports field-based research, international collaboration, and it is closely integrated into the University of St. Gallen’s internationally oriented research landscape.

What we offer:

• One-year postdoc/researcher position within a stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment at a leading European university.
• Close collaboration with an internationally connected research group.
• Support for international mobility and field research.
• Competitive salary and benefits in accordance with SNSF and University of St. Gallen regulations.
• Strong support for publication, dissemination, and policy engagement.

For questions, please contact vanessa.boanada@unisg.ch and felix.hotz@student.unisg.ch. 

Please apply via the website by uploading your CV, list of publications, a short (2-page) research statement, and two contacts for references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

INFO: Im Arbeitsvertrag auf Projekte hinweisen. Finanzierung muss klar sein -> Drittmittel