Postdoctoral Researcher in Data Governance for Equitable and Sustainable Digital Food Systems

Postdoctoral Researcher in Data Governance for Equitable and Sustainable Digital Food Systems (DIGIFOOD) Project,  (0,8 – 1,0 FTE)
Vacancy number: 15753

The Van Vollenhoven Institute for Law, Governance and Society (VVI) seeks applicants for a Postdoctoral Researcher (0.8–1.0 FTE, 4 years) to join the DIGIFOOD Project—an ERC-funded interdisciplinary, transnational research initiative—exploring how data governance frameworks can support equitable food systems. 

DIGIFOOD investigates how emerging legal norms, institutional practices, and digital infrastructures affect small-scale food producers, peasants, and Indigenous communities across the Global South.The Postdoctoral Researcher will carry out original empirical research on the legal and socio-technical dimensions of agricultural data governance, contribute to theoretical development, and help lead a global team of PhD researchers conducting case studies in India, Kenya, and Colombia. 

What you will do 
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be a key member of the DIGIFOOD team, working closely with the Principal Investigator and three PhD researchers. They will be primarily responsible for academic research and communications within the project, with opportunities to contribute to teaching and supervision. Duties include:

Academic research

• Contribute to mapping the field of agricultural data governance
• Conduct empirical research and fieldwork in international institutions involved in agricultural data governance
• Author academic publications, reports, and blog posts
• Support the development of comparative insights across the project's case studies

Communications

• Co-develop and produce podcasts and other public communication outputs, including a public-facing website on digital food systems and data governance
• Coordinate international workshops, conferences, and other events with academic and civil society partners
• Supervision and teaching
• Support the supervision of PhD researchers and contribute to comparative analysis of qualitative data
• Possibility to engage in teaching and supervise Master’s students, if appointed at 1.0 FTE

Where you will work  
The department
The Van Vollenhoven Institute for Law, Governance and Society (VVI) is part of the Leiden Law School. The VVI seeks to advance knowledge of the formation and functioning of legal systems in their social contexts, the impact of these systems on society and vice versa, their effectiveness in governance, and their contribution to development. The Institute adopts a socio-legal and global approach, doing research on law in the books and law in action in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. VVI staff teaches several socio-legal thematic and regional courses for both Dutch and foreign exchange students. In addition, VVI provides PhD supervision, advisory services and training courses to policy makers and practitioners. For more information, see www.vvi.leidenuniv.nl. 

The faculty
With over 6,500 students and 700 employees, the Faculty of Law is one of the largest faculties in the Netherlands, yet is characterised by its small scale despite its diversity. The faculty focuses on versatile education and research of a high standard, both nationally and internationally. Stimulating talent is a top priority for the faculty, which is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building. Working for the Faculty of Law means working in an inspiring academic environment. For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/rechtsgeleerdheid.

What you bring 

• In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:
• A PhD in Law, Anthropology, Science and Technology Studies, or a closely related field;
• Proven experience in conducting empirical research, ideally in transnational or institutional settings;
• Knowledge of digital agriculture and/or data governance, particularly in relation to equity and sustainability;
• Familiarity with socio-legal literature and qualitative research methods;
• A strong track record of academic writing and publication;
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary and international research team;
• Familiarity with one or more of the project’s country contexts (Colombia, Kenya, or India) is an asset.

If you immediately recognise yourself in this profile, or if do you not quite meet all the requirements, but you believe that this is the right job for you, we look forward to your application!

What we offer 

• An employment contract for the duration of four years
• This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities; The monthly salary is a minimum of € 3.378 and a maximum of €5.331 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (scale 10); 
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription or bicycle scheme, and we also offer child-care options;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone. 

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden 

What we find important 
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, click the application button.
Would you like more information about the content of this function? Please contact Dr. Matthew Canfield (m.c.canfield@law.leidenuniv.nl). Applications can be submitted until 7 July 2025.

To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application in English addressed to Dr. Matthew Canfield by using the blue button at the top of this text. Please include with your application the following:

• A cover letter stating your motivation for this position;
• A curriculum vitae;
• A major writing sample (i.e. dissertation, draft or published individually-authored article);
• The names, positions, and email addresses of two academic referees (no reference letters at this point).

To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden 

• In choosing between candidates, in case of equal suitability, preference will be given to internal candidates, women, the occupationally disabled and employees with a migration background.A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG) may be part of the selection procedure. 
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid