Arizona State University: Office of the University Provost Tempe: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Sols Administration & Faculty
Location
Tempe, Az
Open Date
Aug 18, 2020
Description
The School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to contribute to the development of a graduate scholars network, Earth System Science for the Anthropocene (ESSA). The postdoctoral fellow will spend approximately half time researching other graduate scholars programs, networks, and initiatives internationally, nationally, and internally; working with diversity and inclusion trainers and facilitators to develop a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) training program for the ESSA, working with students and practitioners to develop pilot interdisciplinary team science experiences as training elements for ESSA scholars, and developing and co-hosting a reading group for ESSA scholars. The other half of the postdoctoral fellow’s time will be spent developing and carrying out a research project in some area related to the PI’s ongoing research projects, which can be viewed here.
About ESSA Scholars
An exciting new graduate training network is being formed at ASU that will revolutionize the way we train graduate scholars for careers in the Anthropocene. Challenges of this new age require systems thinking and convergence across disciplines in collaborative team science. ESSA scholars will recognize diverse ways of knowing and the societal and cultural underpinnings of Anthropocene challenges that enable effective communication beyond the academy and a focus on solutions that are just and equitable. ESSA scholars will design their own curricula to incorporate these elements, and engage together in problem-based learning in urban, drylands, marine conservation, or Arctic contexts.
This position is funded by PSIF and is expected to run for two consecutive years. The second year renewal is contingent upon satisfactory progress and contribution to the development of the ESSA Scholar Program, the needs of the university, and availability of resources. The anticipated start date is October 1, 2020. This position comes with a competitive salary and health insurance coverage. Candidates must be within five years from receipt of their doctoral degree.
Essential duties
- Work with ESSA Scholars Network team to help develop the program
- Work with ESSA Scholars Network team to pilot an interdisciplinary team science experience
- Research and develop JEDI training components of the ESSA Scholars Network
- Develop and co-host ESSA Reading Group
- Develop a research project in some area of urban ecology, futures, stream ecology, or bio-geochemistry
- Write scientific papers associated with the research
- Travel to research other graduate scholars programs, perform research, and present results at meetings
- Be an active member in research group activities (e.g., participate in lab meetings, mentor students)
Department and university information
The School of Life Sciences (SOLS) has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University, with more than 670 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff, and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of whales. As ASU’s first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crow’s integrated, interdisciplinary vision for the New American University, the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative, cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries.
The Global Futures Laboratory (GFL) provides key engagement spaces for scientists, educators and leaders across ASU and around the world to address critical issues related to the future of planet Earth. Rather than solving problems after they arise, we seek to design a future in which humanity not only survives, but thrives. Using the model of the multi-focused National Laboratories, The Global Futures Laboratory is creating a platform for wide-ranging exchange across all knowledge domains to address the complex social, economic and scientific challenges spawned by the current and future threats from environmental degradation. This platform positions a new world headquarters for an international network of scientists, scholars and innovators, it lays the foundation to respond to existing and emerging challenges and it uses innovation to purposefully shape and inform our future.
Arizona State University is a dynamic, progressive university dedicated to interdisciplinary collaborations, to rethinking university education, and to integrating excellence in research and teaching. The university has been ranked #1 for innovation by the US News & World Report for the past five years. ASU’s School of Life Sciences is committed to curricular innovation in traditional and digital learning environments.
Arizona State University is located in the Phoenix/Scottsdale metropolitan area. Learn more about what The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has to offer by viewing https://thecollege.asu.edu/faculty.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications
Successful candidates must have at the time of appointment an earned doctorate in a relevant field, such as: ecology, conservation, environmental studies, sustainability science, environmental engineering, environmental social science, or urban science; American Indian Studies (and similar), Chicano/ Latino/ Latinx Studies, and/or African American Studies, particularly as they intersect with environmental issues; or the equivalent terminal degree in their field; and must demonstrate their dedication to principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through research, scholarship, and/or other evidence of commitment. They must also have a demonstrated capacity or commitment to working effectively in interdisciplinary teams, a strong record of scholarly achievement commensurate with career stage, and excellent communication skills.
Desired qualifications
Special emphasis will be placed on candidates who have experience, as part of their doctoral research or other activities, working with stakeholders or practitioners outside academia and as part of an interdisciplinary team. We are particularly interested in applicants who have direct experience with environmental justice and equity through their research or outreach. Direct experience with interdisciplinary training programs will be valued.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following as .pdf(s) through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/77914:
- Cover letter and research interests. Applicants should describe experience and suitability for the position. Unlike a standard cover letter, this letter should highlight (a) the strengths of the applicant’s experience in interdisciplinary science, team science, and work outside the academy, and (b) specific research areas in which the applicant would like to develop a project, which may include relevant research questions, approaches, scientific significance, and relationship to the ESSA Scholars Network.
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion statement.
- Contact information (name, email and phone) for two or three references.
Inquiries concerning the search should be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee: Dr. Nancy Grimm.
Initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is September 1, 2020. If not filled, review of complete applications will continue biweekly thereafter until the search is closed.
The College values our cultural and intellectual diversity, and continually strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are especially interested in applicants who can strengthen the diversity of the academic community.
