Postdoctoral Fellow - Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

The Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at the West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design in Morgantown, WV is seeking applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow assists with and conducts research on projects dealing with the development of land reclamation education, human dimensions of land use, and perceptions of water quality at the state, national and international levels. Project sponsors include the USDA Forest Service (USFS), US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), US Geological Survey (USGS), US National Science Foundation (NPS) and the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Travel will be required.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities are functional in nature and performed under limited supervision.　

Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Plan and conduct surveys with various populations segments- for example: recreational studies in the Florida Keys, Great Lakes, Oregon, etc., focusing on visitors and local recreation guide operators.
• Create and maintain existing project databases for data analysis.
• Attend bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly meetings as needed with project partners.
• Attend research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current research findings.
• Identify and assist with acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources.
• Assist with development of novel research proposals for sponsor submission.
• Write proposals, papers, and abstracts to attract research funds.
• Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals.
• Perform laboratory and field experiment activities according to protocol.
• Conduct independent experimental data analysis.
• Maintain detailed logs of work-related activities, including accurate laboratory records and data on research methods, procedures, and results.
• Oversee research facilities and personnel: Assure compliance with research protocols and safety requirements, oversee and direct undergraduate and graduate researchers in the completion of experiments, maintain lab equipment; keep accurate inventory of lab assets; monitor and assure proper use and conditions of lab equipment.
• Write and present research/study status reports for review and use of the Principal Investigator.
• Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation to colleagues and the sponsor; at professional/technical conferences; and/or, for publication in scientific journals, as directed.
• Research assistance with research projects such as the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program (NVUM) partnered with the U.S. Forest Service. Additional research projects include partnerships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop research products to benefit socioeconomic understanding of National Marine Sanctuaries and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create more data and resource accessibility for underserved populations in natural resource areas. New research projects can come with the development of different research proposals. Research tasks vary depending on project needs, and will include many components including but not limited to: literature reviewing, proposal drafting, budgeting, scheduling, personnel management, publication writing, presentation of results in conferences, technical report writing,
• Other tasks as assigned.

University and Program

West Virginia University, designated as a Research University (High Research Activity), is a comprehensive, land-grant institution with an enrollment of over 29,000 students and includes a highly-regarded Medical Center and Law school http://www.wvu.edu. The University is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, 75 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA, within easy driving distance of major eastern metropolitan areas including NYC and Washington, DC. Morgantown – West Virginia’s fourth largest city – recently was rated No. 1 Small City in America, Best Small City in the East, and 3rd Best Small Town in the nation. These high ratings resulted from its mix of intellectual, cultural, and social amenities; university services (including medical); year-round summer and winter outdoor recreational opportunities; small town warmth; and a public-school system that has been rated in the top two percentile in academic performance nationwide.

At West Virginia University, it is one of five program areas in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources ( https://forestry.wvu.edu/ ). The program offers degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The program is housed within the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.

Application

Candidates must meet standard eligibility requirements to work in the United States and have demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills in English. Applicants may apply for the position at http://careers.wvu.edu and navigate to the position title listed above.

Upload the following documents for applications:

1) Letter of application that discusses qualifications for the position;
2) Curriculum vitae, including a list of courses taught with dates;
3) A philosophy of teaching statement;
4) A research agenda;
5) Contact information for three professional references.

Direct inquires to Dr. Robert Burns, Chairperson/Director of the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at Robert.Burns@mail.wvu.edu.

Qualifications :

• Ph.D. from an accredited university in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources, Natural Resources Management or related field is required at the time of appointment. ABD applicants will be considered.
• Experience in conducting social science surveying and data analysis is required.
• Experience with SPSS, SAS or other statistical program is required.
• Ability to conduct multi-variate analysis of complex statistical scenarios.
• Ability with developing and authoring peer-reviewed manuscripts for high-index journals in a timely manner.
• Experience in teaching students in high education setting with a focus on sustainable environmental services preferred.
• Ability to obtain WVU issued P-Card required within 6 weeks of hire.

At West Virginia University, we pride ourselves on a tireless endeavor for achievement. We are home to some of the most passionate, innovative minds in the country who push their limits for the sake of progress, constantly moving the world forward. Our students, faculty and staff make this institution one of the best out there, and we are proud to stand as one voice, one university, one WVU. Find out more about your opportunities as a Mountaineer at https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

Dual Career Program

Meeting the needs of today’s professional couples is a critical factor in WVU’s success in recruiting and retaining new faculty and senior staff. Our Dual Career Program assists couples in your employment search. WVU belongs to the OH/Western PA/WV Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC). Please visit dualcareer.wvu.edu and ohwpawvherc.org for more information and job postings.