The University of Central Florida (UCF), Department of Sociology, in Orlando, Florida anticipates hiring an interdisciplinary postdoctoral scholar sponsored by a $1.6 million NSF Coupled Natural-Human Systems Grant entitled “Restoration and Resilience in Coupled Human-Natural Systems: Reciprocal Dynamics of a Coastal Lagoon” (NSF Award #1617374).
While at UCF, the postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to develop community and stakeholder connections around coastal restoration efforts in the Indian River Lagoon (FL) through focus groups, sketch mapping, and online GIS applications with diverse stakeholders. The scholar will be part of a broad, interdisciplinary team with geographers, sociologists, biologists, and engineers. Scholar responsibilities will also include co-mentoring and co-managing of graduate and undergraduate students; engaging in intensive fieldwork and community building throughout Central Florida; leading, developing, and collaborating on co-authored manuscripts and conference presentations; creating and implementing an online GIS platform to engage community stakeholders; analyzing quantitative and qualitative datasets; and co-leading of community engagement and outreach events.
The postdoctoral scholar will devote most of her/his time to collaborative, interdisciplinary research with a heavy fieldwork component with community stakeholders along the coast of Florida, and if desired, may have a one-course teaching opportunity later in the postdoctoral appointment (though not required). The position offers an excellent opportunity for the ideal candidate to participate in transformative, interdisciplinary work with a strong community outreach and engagement component throughout Central Florida.
Initially, the appointment will be for two years, contingent on continued NSF grant support and above satisfactory performance and productivity metrics evaluated by the co-mentors. Salary will be commensurate with experience and based on available funding. Selection will be based on the candidate’s record, scholarly potential, compatibility with the interests of the faculty co-mentors, and desire to be part of an interdisciplinary research team. The position will start Fall 2017.
The selected candidate should have a research record that demonstrates expertise in the use of mixed methods (qualitative, quantitative, and GIS methods) with an interdisciplinary focus, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. from an accredited institution by the time of hire in Geography, Sociology, Geographic Information Systems or a related social science field. Experience with coastal systems, restoration, participatory action research, environmental sociology or environmental geography is desired.
Applicants must apply online at https://www.jobswithucf.com and upload the following at the time of application: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a 2-page statement of research interests connecting your existing work and future research plans to the goals of the Indian River Lagoon CNH Mapping Project outlined at (http://www.citizensciencegis.org/place/), 2-3 examples of peer-reviewed publications, and a list of 3 professional references. All documents should be in one complete PDF and contain the applicant’s last name in the file name.
Note: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents at a later date.
Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled, but reviewing of applications will begin on March 23, 2017.
Questions about this postdoctoral fellowship position can be directed to the co-mentors: Dr. Timothy L. Hawthorne, timothy.hawthorne@ucf.edu or 407-823-1030 and Dr. Fernando Rivera, fernando.rivera@ucf.edu or 407-823-6235.
UCF is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities. As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.
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Timothy Hawthorne
University of Central Florida
timothy.hawthorne@ucf.edu------------------------------