Lecturer in Systems Thinking for the Future of Agriculture

Institutional Mission:  
The School for Field Studies (SFS) creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship. 

Position:  

Lecturer in Systems Thinking for the Future of Agriculture 

Reports To:  

• Program Manager, Center for Sustainable Food Systems 
• Dean, Office of Academic Affairs 

Location:
Greve, Italy, SFS Center for Sustainable Food Systems 

Start Date:
Anticipated travel and arrival to the Center for Sustainable Food Systems are scheduled for November 2026. The selected candidate will participate in required virtual and on-site trainings. Dates will be determined and agreed upon with the Center Director and Dean. 

Compensation:
Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications.  

Position Summary:  

The SFS Center for Sustainable Food Systems, located in Greve, Italy seeks an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual to serve as part of a team of faculty and staff that delivers an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience to students spending a semester in Italy. On a full-time contract basis, the Lecturer in Systems Thinking for the Future of Agriculture will deliver the 50-hour Systems Thinking for the Future of Agriculture course during the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, during fall and spring, they will co-teach the 50-hour Directed Research course with other faculty members, leading a faculty-developed directed research project with a small group of students. 

This position will engage students in a classroom setting, but also through extensive time spent in the field. We encourage faculty to integrate as much fieldwork and hands-on experience into their courses as possible. Faculty are also integral members of the Center’s communal living model, eating and working with the student cohort. SFS programs require flexibility in working hours to accommodate different aspects of the academic program 

Additional responsibilities outside of teaching may include giving a cookery class to the students as part of the culture program, joining group lunches and weekly dinners and helping with the cooking during self-catered field trips, participation in community engagement days, involvement in student life, organization of laboratory space, and general Center upkeep. We are especially interested in candidates with experience teaching to a diverse student body, and demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence in a learning environment, conservation, and the Center’s host community.  

Center Focus:  

Our research at the SFS Center for Sustainable Food Systems analyzes the integration of environmental, sociocultural, and economic dimensions of food systems to achieve sustainability in different agroecological contexts. Conservation of wild ecosystems and/or agrobiodiversity is addressed in all research projects, which follow an interdisciplinary approach incorporating both natural and social sciences. Field research is carried out on vegetable and cereal cultivation, sheep, goat, and cattle rearing, artisanal fisheries in Sicily, vineyards and olive groves, and in multi-use agroforestry operations, conservation activities with National and Regional parks At the end of the semester program, students will present their research findings and experience to the local community, government, and key stakeholders from the program. 

SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion:  

SFS was founded with the belief that stewardship of our planet is the responsibility of people all around the world. Addressing complex global issues requires the active inclusion of stakeholders with varying perspectives and identities. We recognize that to successfully address threats to our natural world, we must look beyond social constructs designed to divide us. Just as we value biodiversity in all its forms, we value and engage with a multitude of diverse perspectives and people in the countries where we work and the students and staff we serve. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

SFS Lecturer positions are different than many other university teaching positions. Lecturers are integral members of the Center’s communal living model. The faculty team works closely and collaboratively to deliver a field-based interdisciplinary program, where programming days can be long and active. SFS programs require flexibility in working hours to accommodate different aspects of the academic program. In addition to providing high quality, inquiry-based teaching, faculty also participate fully in student life and in the implementation of the Center’s research plan. The publication of both student-assisted and independent research results is encouraged and supported.  

Teaching 

• As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach and co-teach the Systems Thinking for the Future of Agriculture and Directed Research courses, respectively. Course descriptions are found below. 
• Plan, revise, and effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum to learners from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds 
• Organize lectures, prepare course materials, and adhere to a daily academic schedule in a timely and professional manner 
• Actively support and counsel students on academic issues 
• Prepare, administer, and grade assignments, quizzes, and assessments 
• Supervise and mentor a student research group during the Directed Research course 
• Maintain an organized course portfolio 
• Participate in preparation of final reports, academic handbook revisions, and other required administrative tasks 
• Maintain equipment as required for teaching in the field 

Research  

• Participate in the development and upkeep of the Center’s Strategic Research Plan (SRP) and conduct designated and aligned independent research 
• Identify appropriate components of the SRP suitable for student DR projects that prioritize community needs and build on local knowledge networks 
• Prepare research results for community stakeholders and broader scientific and non-scientific audiences using accessible communication methods 
• Assist, as required, with reviewing program research policies, priorities, and budgets 
• Follow data management, record keeping, and reporting systems 
• Represent SFS and/or present research at local, regional, or international meetings and conferences 

Daily Center Life 

• Work flexible hours and live on site or nearby the field station with a small team of permanent staff, groups of US undergraduate students. Contribute to the creation of a living-learning community that is inclusive of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, in which all learners have the opportunity to thrive 
• Actively model skills in competence, awareness, and knowledge necessary for meaningfully working with, interacting with, and learning from others who may differ from oneself in identity and/or lived experience 
• On a rotating basis, act as on-call "staff of the day/week"  
• Participate in the planning of activities and semester calendar prior to the start of the program and in training for new program staff 
• Participate in and lead parts of the orientation and re-entry components of the program presented to students at the beginning and end of each program 
• Participate in regular evaluations and reflection discussions following students' departure 
• Take part in, and occasionally lead, community outreach events, site upkeep projects, and field activities 
• In cooperation with other program staff, provide day-to-day coordination of interns and/or field assistants as delegated by the Program Manager 
• As requested by the Program Manager, assist with other logistical, group management, and administrative tasks 
• At all times, work to ensure good relations between the SFS and the local community 

Safety and Wellbeing 

• Take responsibility, as an individual and as a member of the Center team, for the safety of all program participants 
• Complete Risk Management Plans in a timely fashion for each field outing 
• Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems 
• Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all SFS and program policies and procedures, including the values of the SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion 
• Participate in the review and revision of program risk assessment and management plans 
• Know the emergency procedures plan for the field station, including evacuation plan 
• Participate in the safety portions of the on-site orientation and conduct safety briefings for students and/or staff 
• Complete incident reports when appropriate and contribute to safety audits. 
• Obtain Wilderness First Aid certification prior to first day of work (SFS support and reimbursable available) and ensure first-aid certifications are kept up to date