BRIDGS Postdoctoral Research Scholar

T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (SSFD) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for a postdoctoral research scholar with interest in guns in society, broadly defined. The successful candidate will work with Prof. Jennifer Carlson in the BRIDGS Center: Bringing Research & Innovation into the Debate on Guns in Society. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2024, with potential flexibility. This is a 12-month, benefits-eligible position that is renewable for up to five years upon successful demonstration of academic productivity. The salary is commensurate with experience.

Applications are encouraged from individuals who are interested in a position combining grant development, independent and collaborative research, data infrastructure management, programming/event coordination, and public outreach. The postdoc should bring (1) research experience related to guns in society; (2) demonstrated methodological training; (3) strong conceptualization and writing skills; (4) stellar organizational skills; and (5) an interest in building a collaborative environment centered on gun studies.

Research experience on guns may include (but is not limited to) the culture and politics of armed self-defense; gun violence and gun trauma; guns, identity, and inequality; gun markets, the gun industry, and gun trade; social movement mobilization surrounding gun rights and/or gun control; comparative/transnational approaches to guns in society; the intersection of guns, conservation, and environmental justice; and related topics grounded in social science approaches. Especially welcomed are approaches oriented toward bridging divides within the gun debate, unearthing new opportunities for conversation, and (re)framing the terms of the gun debate in ways that serve the interests of the broader public, especially in Arizona. Note that this is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in developing a center uniquely focused on social science approaches to guns in a state with a dynamic and trend-setting terrain with respect to guns in society.

Essential Duties

• Grant Development Data Infrastructure Development Data Analysis & Dissemination of Results (Manuscript Preparation/Conference Presentations) Community Outreach Programming/Event Coordination Other Duties as Assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in sociology, political science, criminology, anthropology, linguistics, economics, communications, psychology, history or related field by the effective date of appointment start date
• Demonstrated background/interests in social science approaches to guns, broadly defined.
• Analytic skills in qualitative or quantitative methods, including familiarity with data analysis software as appropriate.
• Evidence of independent scholarship and team collaboration, strong interpersonal communication skills, and outstanding academic writing skills
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and to the ASU Charter.          

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with collaborative grant-writing
• Prior first-author publication experience at peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with programming/event coordination
• Experience with outreach (such as with media, policymakers or the interested public)

To Apply

Initial review of applications will begin on September 9, 2023, and continue every week thereafter until the position is filled. Applications will be accepted through Interfolio, at http://apply.interfolio.com/128684. Please submit the following:

• Current Curriculum Vitae
• A cover letter including (1) your research interests, (2) previous training and experience in research on relevant substantive topics, (3) competence and experiences in the minimum/desired qualifications
• Name and contact information of three references
• Two representative publications

Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Jennifer Carlson at jenniferdawncarlson@asu.edu

Department Statement: For more information on the Sanford School, please visit our website at https://thesanfordschool.asu.edu. Learn more about what The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has to offer by visiting https://thecollege.asu.edu.faculty

ASU Statement: Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 90,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

A background check is required for employment.

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

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