SNSF research associate/ postdoc in indigenous/community-led bioeconomies in the Amazon (m/w/d)

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.

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.

Your tasksCore 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 profileYour 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.

"A place where knowledge is created" - As one of Europe's leading universities of economics and business administration, the University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, is committed to the education of over 10'000 students. The HSG is one of the largest employers in the region and provides an attractive and innovative environment for more than 3'500 researchers, educators and professional staff.

Benefits

• Inspirational Work Environment: At the HSG, as Europe's leading business university, we operate in an entrepreneurial environment where you will meet highly qualified, ambitious experts - both regionally and internationally. For example, you benefit from a modern IT infrastructure and, in our library via HSGswisscovery, from nationwide access to the wealth of scientific information available.
• Executive Education: We support internal and external executive education opportunities. Our internal executive education programme offers you a practical, dedicated and didactically mature transfer of knowledge in the form of seminars, e-learning, coaching and collegial advice. We support task-specific external training and executive education financially as well as with regard to the time required.
• Network: We promote our culture of cross-functional collaboration and create space for forging valuable relationships - also with external partners. Regular exchanges and internal events help to strengthen these relationships and make them long-lasting.
• Family & Career: We provide our employees with flexible work time models with a variable number of hours per week. As a family-friendly employer, we offer part-time positions, 16 weeks of maternity leave and a subsidised crèche, as well as support with childcare during the vacations.
• Equal Opportunities: The University enables equal opportunities for all employees and students. This applies to degree courses and work, as well as academic careers, university management positions and the reconciliation of studies, work and private commitments. We are committed to this with various measures in the areas of teaching, research, administration and the Presidency.
• Fit and Healthy: We help you stay fit and healthy. In addition to our diverse range of sports activities at the university, most of which are free of charge, and campaign weeks for corporate health management, we also offer you fruit in the workplace. In our canteen you will find a wide selection of freshly prepared meals - from vegetarian to fish dishes - at discounted prices.