Postdoctoral Fellowship in Transdisciplinary Arctic Social Science with ARC NAV

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Transdisciplinary Arctic Social Science with Arctic Robust Communities Navigating Adaptation to Variability (ARC NAV)

The NSF funded project Arctic Robust Communities Navigating Adaptation to Variability (ARC NAV) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the area of transdisciplinary Arctic social science www.arcnav.org. ARC NAV explores change occurring in the Bering sea ice environment and community efforts to voice implications of change in local to global policy contexts. The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with researchers at Arizona State University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and communities and community research leads in Alaska Native villages who are partnering with the project. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with communities and the research team to collect and analyze social science data, including interviews, archival, and social network data generating community-relevant understandings of adaptation and multi-level pathways for action. The project seeks applicants with training in, or willingness to develop, mixed social science methods including social network analyses, content analysis, and ethnography. Applicants will need training and experience in Indigenous data sovereignty, and/or willingness to develop this capacity.   

Arizona State University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks are establishing a new partnership to support joint internationally and locally relevant research, training, and community-driven projects. The ARC NAV postdoctoral fellowship will be a part of this exciting partnership with opportunities for professional development at both universities.

The project seeks applicants with experience working with Indigenous communities, especially in the Arctic. The project seeks applicants whose professional preparedness, experience, and accomplishments are informed by experiences working with and within groups historically underrepresented in higher education in the United States. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate, through prior actions and achievements, intentional and actioned commitment to 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.

About Arizona State University and University of Alaska Fairbanks

ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and during nearly 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. According to 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.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is the nation's Arctic Research University and a global leader in Arctic and Northern studies. Home to the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center, the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy and a host of other field and lab resources as well as a number of rural campuses throughout the western and Arctic portions of the State, UAF is ideally positioned for impactful research in one of the fastest changing regions on earth.

Qualifications and Characteristics

The successful candidate will be engaged in developing and deepening community relations, conducting and analyzing interviews and decision-making data, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, working closely with our community research leads, and contributing to transdisciplinary scholarly research in the Arctic. The successful candidate will be provided opportunities to contribute to and/or develop external grant proposals.

Minimum qualifications

• PhD in social sciences, environmental sciences, Arctic or Northern studies, Indigenous, Native American, or American Indian studies, or allied fields by time of appointment Demonstrated commitment to co-production of knowledge or community partnering, collaborative, and/or environmental action-oriented research Experience or potential for contributions to inclusive and societally impactful research that will advance the principles of the ASU Charter.

Desired qualifications

• Evidence of Arctic community-based or community-serving program of research and/or outreach Experience in working with Indigenous communities and upholding Indigenous data sovereignty, including the CARE principles (Collective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility, and Ethics) Experience in building meaningful relationships with Arctic and/or Indigenous communities Demonstrated record of academic publications and/or external awards Experience with analyzing qualitative interview data and/or governance or social network data

• Experience with community-based or community-serving program of research and/or outreach leveraging familial, historical, linguistic, and/or cultural ties Experience working collaboratively with other departments and programs, across disciplines on grant-funded projects, publications or activities. Demonstrated active research agenda with peer-reviewed publications Experience or potential for receiving external awards Evidence of commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment.

This position is located at the Arizona State University at the Tempe campus and at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with travel between both campuses, and communities. All postdoctoral fellowship positions are for one year. There is the option for an additional one year of funding contingent on continued satisfactory performance, the availability of funding and the needs of the University.

The minimum fiscal year (12-month) salary for this postdoctoral fellowship position is $70,000 along with competitive benefits through ASU, including health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. The postdoctoral fellow will also receive funds to support development of their research program. The postdoctoral fellow must have their primary residence in the greater-Phoenix metropolitan area during the appointment, or with supervisor approval at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Applications and Inquiries

Application deadline is October 22, 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.

Only electronic submissions will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Applications should be submitted at: http://apply.interfolio.com/132898

Applicants must submit: (1) a curriculum vitae; (2) a letter of interest describing how you meet the required and desired qualifications; (3) and contact information for 3 references including email addresses.  Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Abigail York, Abigail.york@asu.edu.

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 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/

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