Postdoctoral Scholar, Environmental Social Science

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Scientist position in environmental social science, with a focus on drought adaptation in rural communities. The candidate will be co-mentored by Dr. Elizabeth Koebele, Department of Political Science, and Dr. Loretta Singletary, Extension and Department of Economics. The anticipated start date of the position is June 1, 2025, and the candidate must be available to work in-person at UNR/in northern Nevada.

The candidate will work on the multi-state research project “Where We Live”   funded by a National Science Foundation EPSCOR RII Track-2 award. The project investigates perceptions of and experiences with climate impacts and adaptation behaviors in rural communities across Nevada (focus on drought), Idaho (focus on wildfire), and South Carolina (focus on extreme heat). The postdoctoral scholar will be part of the Nevada interdisciplinary team, which includes diverse scholars from UNR and the Desert Research Institute, as well as the broader multi-state project team.

We seek candidates with a strong interest in interdisciplinary scholarship, a demonstrated background in social science methods, and prior experience in socio-environmental synthesis for this role. The scholar will co-design and lead qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis for the Nevada team, including primary data collection through interviews in rural communities. They will also co-produce new knowledge in partnership with other scientists, local community stakeholders, and decision makers.

 The scholar will also have opportunities for formal and informal mentoring, including the required creation and submission of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with the project mentors and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at UNR. Additional funding will be made available for the scholar to travel to conferences and in-person team meetings.

 Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in environmental studies, sustainability, public policy/public affairs, water resources, sociology, resource economics, urban studies, or a related field by the start date of the position.
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary scholarship and environmental/rural issues.
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, as documented through course work or previous research.
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently and lead the development and publication of research results.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in multiple venues (academic conferences, stakeholder meetings, etc.)
• Completion of a doctoral degree in the appropriate discipline is required.
• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.
• The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks

 Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with the following experience are encouraged to apply:

• Expertise in relevant topics such as climate hazards, climate adaptation, water resources/drought, and/or agricultural communities.
• Prior experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and team science.
• Prior experience working in/with rural communities.
• Prior experience with knowledge co-production.

Perks of Working at UNR!

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance
• Generous annual and sick leave, life insurance – Faculty Benefits
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options.  E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center
• Reno is proud to be a University town! Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders
• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues.
• Several Diversity Committees and Affinity Groups focusing on campus-wide diversity initiatives to ensure we are working to create a diverse and welcoming campus climate. Diversity Groups
• Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University. Faculty Senate
• No state income tax!

Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes the importance of addressing dual-career couples’ professional needs. We offer a dual career assistance program to newly hired faculty spouses/partners that provides resources and assists them to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada. Dual Career Assistance Program

Contact Information

Search Coordinator Olga Ilchuk oilchuk@unr.edu 

 Attach the following attachments to your application

1)CV

2) Cover Letter (2 pages max.)

3) Contact Information for Three Academic or Professional References

4) Degree Transcript (unofficial)

 This posting is open until filled

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.