Research Specialist, Hawaii Indigenous Food Systems at Arizona State University

Arizona State University
Research Specialist, Hawaii Indigenous Food Systems
Swette Ctr Sust Food Systems
Off-Campus: Other US Locations
104862BR

Job Description
The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is seeking a Hawaiʻi-based Food Systems Research Specialist to join our team to support our research and education efforts to meet the challenges facing our food system and particularly those that affect Hawaiʻi, including Native Hawaiian populations and food ways. In this position, the selected candidate will take on various duties in research, education and outreach to build on our Center priorities and objectives and dedicating time to our work with Native Hawaiian communities. 

Currently the Center has several focus areas -- strengthening the knowledge and understanding of organic and regenerative agriculture in meeting the challenges of climate change, advancing methodologies such as true cost accounting of food production that help decisionmakers across the food system make better policy decisions, working with the private sector, strengthening Arizona food systems, cultivating the next generation of food system leaders, and elevating positive voices of resilience and wisdom in indigenous communities.

This position will have several objectives and the successful candidate will divide time to focus on: building and strengthening partnerships with Hawaiʻi and Native-Hawaiian food system organizations and stakeholders, outreach to indigenous communities to develop relationships that will improve our research on food policy and other advancements, and conducting and supporting ongoing food systems-related research priorities in Hawaiʻi. Current Hawaiʻi food systems research priorities include aquaculture and loko iʻa (traditional native Hawaiian) supply chain and market research, agricultural value-chain analysis, and agricultural labor challenges.

Salary Range
$54,600 - $75,309 per year; DOE

Close Date
24-October-2024

Essential Duties

• Collects and analyzes research data and other literature and drafts research materials as part of the research team for the Swette Center’s food policy related research activities in Hawaiʻi -currently focused on aquaculture, agricultural labor, and agricultural value chain analysis.
• Coordinates, researches, and develops resource materials to meet the needs for presentations and research proposals and/or papers.
• Collaborates with local partners for addressing needed research gaps. This work will include acting as liaison between remote graduate students and a Hawaiʻi- based organization in student summer capstone research reports and acting as advisor to the student group in this research.
• Acts as liaison on behalf of the Center staff with the community, students, faculty, and staff in facilitating the Center’s Hawaiʻi-focused programs.
• Support a recruitment strategy for Native Hawaiian students.
• Assists in developing grant proposals, projects, budgets, performance indicators, and accountability reports for new research and project activities.
• Develops partnerships and projects around indigenous Hawaiian food systems.
• Advises students, staff and others, provide technical knowledge, problem solving assistance, answers to questions regarding goals and policy of the Center.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND two years related research experience; OR, Six years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong record of, or potential for, scholarly research.
• Evidence of having a degree or substantial coursework in indigenous studies, sustainable food systems, sustainability, food policy, environmental studies, or an affiliated field will be given preference.
• Evidence in having a strong interest in the field and a willingness to mentor our students.
• Evidence in demonstrating a commitment to the core principles of sustainable economic, environmental and social justice for present and future generations.

Working Environment

• Position is based in Hawaiʻi (any island)
• Position will work from home and will need access to a strong internet connection in order to successfully execute job duties.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity associated with daily use of desktop computer necessary.

Department Statement
Achieving sustainable food systems requires problem-solving teams who are infused with a diversity of expertise, eager collaboration, and innovative spirit. Established in 2017, the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University develops innovative ideas and solutions to the many challenges of current food systems. The Swette Center takes a holistic approach in research and policy design, encompassing water and energy use, carbon footprint and nutrition, innovations in food policy, and the well-being and livelihood of farmers and others working in food systems. The Center will educate the next generation of changemakers through innovative degrees and executive programs in sustainable food systems. Swette Center food system experts come from every corner of the university, including from the pool of more than 550 sustainability scientists and scholars who are dedicated to pursuing solutions, engagement, education and research for a sustainable future. Under the leadership of Dr. Kathleen Merrigan, former US Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the USDA and internationally renowned expert on food systems and sustainability, we work on cutting edge science and policy.

ASU Statement
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit  https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at  https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf . You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU PD at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement
ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply
Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.

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