Postdoctoral Fellow - Moscow, United States - University of Idaho

Description

Position Details

Position Information

Internal Posting?

Posting Number
SP004305P

Position Title
Postdoctoral Fellow - Human Dimensions of Invasive Grasses

Division/College
College of Natural Resources

Department
Natural Resources and Society

Location
Moscow, Boise, Off Campus Location - Hybrid negotiable

Posting Context Statement

Reporting to Dr. J.D. Wulfhorst, Professor of Rural Sociology and Environmental Science, this is a postdoctoral position explore the factors that affect the spread of invasive grasses in the Great Basin region with specific emphasis on adaptive capacity strategies among landowners, producers, and stakeholder organizations.

Position Overview

Millions of hectares of rangeland in the western United States are currently degraded, or under threat of degradation, from the proliferation of invasive grasses. These invasive species cause substantial and self-perpetuating changes to nutrient cycling, fire frequencies, and vulnerability to post-fire erosion. Large and fast-moving wildfires fed by invasive-grass fuels endanger human lives, property, and critical natural and cultural resources. Recent national assessment of science needs in this region have identified the following priorities: new vegetation treatment and monitoring techniques for invasive annual grass control; spatial risk analysis for fire and invasive species effects; efficient restoration methods that account for site-specific conditions; characterization of ecosystem resistance and resilience thresholds for sagebrush-steppe plant communities; more accurate and predictive meteorological data and models and a better understanding of climate controls on seeding success; and improved understanding of the human, social, and economic tradeoffs involved. The Postdoctoral Research Scholar (Social Scientist) will explore the factors that affect the spread of invasive grasses in the Great Basin region with specific emphasis on adaptive capacity strategies among landowners, producers, and stakeholder organizations. The annual grass - wildfire problem continues to expand its socio-ecological impact within a context where human resources (time, energy, funding) to meet this challenge remain limited as well as in competition with other priorities. Community- and individual-level motivations, incentives, and behaviors to adapt to shifting policies related to invasion of annual grasses vary and can manifest in forms of increased stress, impacts to morale and cohesion, or perceived constraints on livelihood scenarios affecting operations and therefore management. These societal lags, constraints, and barriers compound the challenge of the annual grass - wildfire problem. The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will work as a part of a collaborative team of scientists within a core site of the Long-term Agroecosystems Research (LTAR) Network, led by Rural Sociologist Dr. J.D. Wulfhorst in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho, and sponsored by the USDA - Agricultural Research Service Northwest Watershed Research Center (Boise, ID). The University of Idaho position is a salaried 12-month position, renewable annually for 3 years with successful progress, and with possible extensions pending funding.

Unit URL



Position Qualifications

Required Experience

• Experience and interest in multi-method approaches, including: qualitative interviewing, focus group / workshop facilitation, and survey design
• Data management and data analysis skills
• Proficiency in software suites (organizational, management, analytical)
• Interest in independent work as well as collaboration with a team of interdisciplinary scientists
• Interest in engaging various participants in rural agricultural settings and remote community areas in the Great Basin landscape
• Proficiency in time management, communications, and professional interactions
• Proficiency in technical writing for scientific analyses

Required Education

• Earned Ph.D. in the human dimensions of natural resources / agroecosystems, rural sociology, sociology, or related field of social science within the last 3-5 years

Required Other

• Ability to travel for fieldwork components of the project

Additional Preferred

• Evidence of peer reviewed publications and/or presentations
• Experience in collaborative team-based project settings
• Experience or familiarity with arid ecosystems, sagebrush-steppe, and the Great Basin region

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Degree Requirement
Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire

Posting Information

FLSA Status
Overtime Exempt

Employee Category
Exempt

Pay Range
$55,000 or higher depending on experience

Type of Appointment
Fiscal Year

FTE

1.0

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Funding
This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.
Uncertain

Posting Date
02/23/2024

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is open until filled. Priority will be given to applicants who have submitted their materials by April 29th, 2024.

Applicant Resources

Background Check Statement

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

EEO Statement

The University of Idaho (U of I) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, U of I does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information or status as any protected veteran or military status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions and educational programs.