Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Earth System Science for the Anthropocene

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)