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Postdoctoral Research Associate

Requisition Number:

58761

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

09-Sep-2024

Job Summary

The Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder encourages applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in environmental social science! Applicants must have a PhD in Environmental Studies/Science, Geography, Ecology, Engineering, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Economics, or relevant discipline in the human sciences at the time of appointment. The postdoc will join an interdisciplinary research group focused on conducting NSF-funded research on pesticide use, human health and wellbeing, and human-wildlife conflict and coexistence in Uganda. The initial appointment is for 2 years; the second year of which is based on performance; position may be available for annual renewal, thereafter, based on performance and funding availability. Start date is flexible but would prefer not later than October 2024.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Department of Environmental Studies at CU Boulder is a hub for facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration in environment and sustainability. Environmental Studies courses integrate the academic divisions of natural science, social science, and humanities, providing skill and knowledge applicable to the pursuit of solutions to environmental challenges faced globally, nationally, regionally, and locally. The program nurtures interdisciplinary academic training for undergraduate and graduate students, provides guidance for students with career aspirations in environment and sustainability venues, promotes diverse professional education experiences, fosters fundamental and applied research, forms meaningful connections with communities beyond the university, and integrates innovative, interdisciplinary programs unified by the themes of environmental research.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • The postdoc will work under the supervision of Dr. Karen Bailey with close collaboration with Dr. Joel Hartter, in collaboration with colleagues at American and East African institutions.
  • The postdoc is expected to lead social science data collection, including development of data collection instruments (household surveys, focus groups, etc.), qualitative and quantitative data analysis (including thematic coding, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, machine learning, etc.), and development of various deliverables (reports, manuscripts, presentations, grant applications, etc.)

What You Should Know

  • The postdoc will join an interdisciplinary research group focused on conducting NSF-funded research on pesticide use, human health and wellbeing, and human wildlife conflict and coexistence in Uganda.
  • As this position directly engages in research in Uganda, the postdoc will be expected to travel and spend time (in the range of 1-3 months per year) in Uganda for data collection.
  • This role has the option for a hybrid work modality.

What We Can Offer

The salary for this full-time position is $75,000 annually.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • PhD in Environmental Studies/Science, Geography, Ecology, Engineering, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Economics, or relevant discipline.

What You Will Need

  • Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills.
  • Record of or demonstrated potential for writing peer-reviewed papers and grants.
  • Experience with and ability to conduct fieldwork, especially in rural communities internationally, for extended periods.
  • Will support and encourage a diverse and inclusive research and learning environment.
  • Can contribute to a team-oriented, collegial work environment.

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Experience with data collection in international settings.
  • Experience with interdisciplinary socio-environmental research.
  • Proficiency in relevant analytic software such as R, Python, and/or Nvivo.
  • Interest in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and self-directedness.
  • Comfortable working collaboratively across institutions and time zones and working remotely.
  • Experience managing research projects and working independently.
  • Demonstration of self-awareness, cultural intelligence, and a commitment to fostering equity and inclusion.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • Professional and/or academic experience with field work and travel in Africa
  • Interest and/or experience in working with diverse stakeholders (e.g., farmers, livestock owners, land managers, policymakers, non-native English speakers, etc.), including science communication with these groups.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Resume/CV
  2. List of References (Used for phone checks)
  3. Statement of Research Philosophy 1–2-page statement that includes the following:
    • An introduction to yourself and why you are interested in the research position.
    • Your qualifications for the position
    • Share any leadership experience you have and how these experiences support your approach to research and teamwork.
    • Discuss your ability to work independently, take initiative, and develop research from scratch.
    • Discuss your experience working with people from different backgrounds and cultures. How do you ensure that everyone's voices are heard and respected?
  4. (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.
 
Application review will begin on 9/5/2024. Position will remain open until filled.
 
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.


In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu