Last Date: January 15, 2024.
The W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation at the University of Montana seeks applicants for a 6-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The postdoc will work directly with Associate Professor Dr. Brian Chaffin in the Department of Society & Conservation on a NSF EPSCoR-funded research project titled “Resilience Informatics for the Convergence of Critical Capacities to Address Regional-scale Environmental Change.” This research collaboration with investigators at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln leverages large-scale ecological data and targeted social data collected through multiple iterations of landowner and conservation professional surveys to better understand and respond to landscape-scale social-ecological transitions. The postdoctoral researcher will work with team members to better understand how individuals (e.g., landowners, land managers, conservation professionals) across rural, working landscapes in the American West perceive pressing conservation challenges and respond to these challenges through social networks, individual, and collective action.
The successful applicant will engage as a critical member of the social science team, working to compliment the big data approaches of the biophysical science team through: analysis of large, publicly-available social datasets for spatial patterns and temporal trends; and analysis of previously collected survey data from agricultural producers and conservation professionals in Montana and Nebraska aimed at better understanding local conservation practices and decision-making. The successful candidate will have: (1) strong theoretical foundations in a social science discipline including but not limited to geography, anthropology, sociology, or interdisciplinary conservation or environmental social sciences; (2) familiarity with complexity thinking and social-ecological resilience concepts; (3) proficiency with social science mail and internet survey methodologies including analysis and publication of survey data; and (4) strong writing ability and the desire to write for peer-reviewed publication. Candidates proficient in quantitative social data analysis tools in coding environments such as R, Python, MatLab, etc., and/or familiar with critical approaches to social data analysis are encouraged to apply. The postdoctoral associate will collaborate and coordinate weekly with postdoctoral associates and other team members at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, serving as a link between project partners and research nodes. The postdoctoral research associate will receive mentorship in interdisciplinary, team-based, social-ecological research.
The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always”; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
Job Details:
- The salary for this postdoctoral research associate is $60,000/year including health insurance
- Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
- The 6-month appointment is non-renewable
- The position will be virtual; the postdoctoral research associate will be able to telework remotely.
- Some travel may be possible including to the University of Montana and to conferences, meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities within the U.S. and abroad
- Start date ASAP
Required Qualifications
- PhD in social sciences with emphasis in conservation or environmental social science
- ABD applicants will be considered, but confirmation of PhD is required prior to start
- Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply
- Applicants must be able to clearly communicate complex ideas in writing and be willing to learn in a fast-paced, self-directed environment
- Evidence of publishing in academic journals is required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience analyzing and publishing social science survey data
- Experience with a quantitative data analysis packages (i.e., R, Python, MatLab) and/or proficiency with ArcGIS (or open-source GIS software)
- Experience with and/or a strong desire to engage theories of social-ecological resilience and critical approaches to social science
About the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and UM
The mission of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation is to advance research and education that fosters sustainability and empowers a holistic understanding of social-ecological systems.
The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014. Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.
To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran’s Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).
How to Apply
Priority Application Date: Monday, January 15, 2024 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)
Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via “New Resume/CV” button on the UM Jobs site directly to ensure a complete application is received.
A complete application Includes:
- Cover letter – including a well-articulated statement of previous research, career goals, current and future research interests, and relevant experiences
- Detailed CV – including all publications
- A writing sample in English – preferably a published, peer-reviewed journal article
- Three (3) professional references – names and contact information
