Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Schools of Life Science, Earth and Space Exploration, and Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University (ASU)—collectively as part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences—invite applications for up to three Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship positions in Indigenous Knowledge Systems integrated with research in any area of life, environmental, social, or Earth science related to global change. Global change has resulted in alterations in climate, biodiversity, health, and well-being, affecting local to global ecosystems and societies. This invitation recognizes that the contributions of Indigenous Knowledge Systems to sustainability, resilience, placemaking, and relationship to Earth systems are essential for creating more holistic, long-term solutions to the pressing global problems of the Anthropocene.

Three Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship positions, with an anticipated start date in the 2023–2024 academic year, will be appointed within one or more of the schools as appropriate to their research experience and interests. Fellows will conduct research in an area of Earth systems science, broadly defined as the complex and interrelated physical, chemical, biological, geological, and human interactions across the land, ocean, and atmosphere, through an Indigenous Knowledge Systems lens, toward “two-eyed seeing”—to “learn to see from one eye with the best in our Indigenous ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the best in the Western (or mainstream) ways of knowing and learn to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all” (Elder Albert Marshall, Mi'kmaq Nation).

Fellows will bring life experiences and expertise that promote diverse representation in target research areas and/or bring research programs that address systems questions relevant to issues of disparity faced by Indigenous communities. Job duties for these positions are to develop and carry out independent or collaborative research programs with the mentorship of a faculty mentorship team in one or more of the schools; produce relevant scholarly products; and mentor students in research. Teaching opportunities may be available, but teaching is not an assigned duty. Opportunities to submit or collaborate on grant proposals also may be available but external funding is not required. Fellows are expected to engage with other Fellows in building a peer mentoring community and forwarding the ASU Charter mission of increasing inclusion and diversity. We seek applicants and nominations from those who have experience teaching, mentoring, and developing research in ways that effectively address the unique challenges of Indigenous scholars or those from other historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowships are intended to support the career development of outstanding Ph.D. recipients with great potential for advancing the ASU Charter through a future tenure-track appointment at ASU. The postdoctoral scholars selected will join a cohort of ~20 other postdoctoral scholars at ASU as part of the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

The program seeks applicants whose professional preparedness, experience, and accomplishments are informed by experiences working with and within Indigenous and other groups historically underrepresented in higher education in the United States. Where pools of qualified applicants are strong, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate, through prior actions and achievements, intentional and actioned commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Examples of such contributions are research or creative activity focused on empowering underserved populations; teaching, mentorship, and service that increases equitable access; and inclusion in fields where historically excluded populations are underrepresented.

The Schools of Life Sciences, Earth and Space Exploration, and Human Evolution and Social Change all have committed to provide individualized mentorship and career development to ensure each candidate is well prepared to succeed in a future tenure-track appointment. For example, Fellows will be guided by a mentoring team and advised by a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Support Committee, along with being members of a cohort. Career development and community building will also occur through programmatic support at the ASU Graduate College’s Postdoctoral Affairs Office.

About Arizona State University

ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university that for two decades has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.

Qualifications and Characteristics

Successful candidates will engage in scholarly research and may be asked to perform duties common to academic personnel, including grant proposal writing and teaching.

Minimum qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent advanced degree in the biological, social, or Earth sciences, or an interdisciplinary degree at the intersections of these fields, with degree expected by time of appointment Demonstration of the ability to conduct research in the candidate’s area of expertise Evidence of strong communication skills, and the ability to disseminate scholarly findings in peer-reviewed publications A background that contributes to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the target research areas

Desired qualifications

• Experiences, and/or expertise in research, teaching, mentoring, and/or service, that incorporate Indigenous Knowledge Systems Experiences, and/or expertise in research, teaching, mentoring, and/or service, that address disparities faced by Indigenous communities Experiences, and/or expertise that demonstrate the ability to community build, and to support graduate and undergraduate students systemically underserved in the target research areas Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in research Demonstrated potential for leadership in scholarly activities, professional activities, communication, and outreach Demonstrated interest in research mentorship of graduate students Potential for excellence in teaching Potential for success in developing funding proposals

This position is located at the Arizona State University at the Tempe campus. Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowships are full-time, fiscal year (12-month) positions; salary is based upon qualifications. Individuals employed in Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowships may not hold multiple, non-benefits eligible appointments at Arizona State University. All Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship positions are for one year. Options for an additional one or two years of funding or a transition to a tenure-track position may be offered, depending on each scholar’s progress and training needs. Faculty tenure-track appointments will require a process of review within the designated tenure home unit. 

Applications and Inquiries

Applications can be submitted online via http://apply.interfolio.com/123763. Application materials should include a Curriculum Vitae; a letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications noted above; a diversity statement addressing how your past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion will advance ASU’s Charter; and contact information for three references including email addresses. Application deadline is May 27, 2023.  Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool.  Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

Inquiries can be directed to search committee chair, Nancy Grimm (nbgrimm@asu.edu).

A background check is required for employment.

The schools acknowledge the twenty-three Native Nations that have inhabited this land for centuries. Arizona State University's four campuses are located in the Salt River Valley on ancestral territories of Indigenous peoples, including the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) Indian Communities, whose care and keeping of these lands allows us to be here today.

ASU is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information on ASU’s policies, please see: https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and its complete non-discrimination statement at: https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965- 3456.