Postdoctoral Research Associate Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Modeling Tools on Stakeholder Decision Making in Aquatic Invasive Species Management
Postdoctoral Research Associate Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Modeling Tools on Stakeholder Decision Making in Aquatic Invasive Species Management
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Job Description
Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate Effectiveness of SimulationBased Modeling Tools on Stakeholder Decision Making in Aquatic Invasive Species Management.
Department: Biology.
Classification: Exempt.
FTE: 1.0.
Work Schedule: The standard 40hour work schedule is Monday Friday 8:00 am 5:00 pm; flexible work arrangements can be proposed and are subject to approval by HR and relevant supervisor.2 years (initial 1 year appointment with potential for reappointment pending satisfactory progress).
Salary Range: $55000 $61000.
Position Overview:
The Muthukrishnan Lab at St. Olaf College (integratedecology.weebly) in collaboration with researchers at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support an interdisciplinary project focused on developing and evaluating a simulationbased decision support tool (DST) for aquatic invasive plant management. This project integrates ecological modeling decision science and community engagement to improve decisionmaking processes for managing invasive species in Minnesotas lakes.
The postdoctoral associate will primarily focus on the social science components of the project designing and leading participatory modeling workshops developing assessment tools to evaluate how decision support tools influence stakeholder decisionmaking and training undergraduate students in social science data collection and analysis methods. The position will be primarily located at St. Olaf College with the option of some portion of time spent at MAISRC at the University of Minnesota. Some travel within the state of Minnesota to lead workshops and meet with stakeholder groups is also expected.
St. Olaf College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution in Northfield Minnesota (just outside of and in commuting distance from Minneapolis) with a strong commitment to research scholarship and mentorship. The college provides an intellectually rich environment where postdoctoral researchers can advance their scientific expertise while gaining valuable experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and undergraduate mentorship. St. Olaf offers modern research facilities opportunities for independent and collaborative research and a supportive academic community that values both scientific innovation and professional development.
Essential Job Duties:
- Engagement & Workshop Facilitation.
- Design organize and facilitate participatory modeling workshops across Minnesota with diverse groups including government agencies local organizations and lake associations.
- Develop training materials and facilitation guides for workshops.
- Assist in recruiting and coordinating workshop participants.
- Social Science Research & Evaluation.
- Design and implement pre and postworkshop surveys to assess peoples decisionmaking processes perceptions and engagement with the decision support tool.
- Conduct qualitative data collection (participant observation structured interviews focus groups) to understand interactions with the decision support tool.
- Analyze survey data using statistical methods and qualitative text analysis.
- Prepare reports peerreviewed publications and conference presentations based on research findings.
- Collaboration & Project Management.
- Work closely with project PIs MAISRC staff and other team members to integrate social science insights into decision support tool development.
- Manage workshop logistics data collection and undergraduate research assistants.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
- Reports to the Assistant Professor of Biology.
- This position does not supervise staff or students.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in environmental social science natural resource management decision science geography human dimensions of natural resources sociology anthropology political science environmental studies environmental policy or a related field.
- Experience conducting social science research related to environmental decisionmaking.
- Strong background in social survey design statistical analysis and qualitative research methods including text analysis.
- Familiarity with statistical software (e.g. R SPSS Stata) and qualitative coding software (e.g. MAXQDA NVivo).
- Experience working with communities government officials NGOs and/or other parties in natural resource management or environmental governance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
- Dedication to creating an inclusive environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with participatory modeling decision support tools or engagement.
- Familiarity with adaptive management invasive species management or socialecological systems.
- Experience managing workshops or facilitation training.
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity:
Our research group is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all races ethnicities gender identities sexual orientations socioeconomic backgrounds and physical abilities. We value diverse perspectives and believe that a broad range of experiences strengthens our scientific community. If you have any questions about accommodations or working in our group we encourage you to reach out.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit:
- Cover letter detailing their research interests qualifications and experience relevant to the position.
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information for three references
- Two writing samples (e.g. published papers reports or dissertation chapters)
Prerequisites:
- Employment in this position is conditioned upon successful completion of a background check which may include: criminal background checks reference checks verification of work history verification of any required academic credentials licenses and/or certifications a motor vehicle check verification of DOT certification a credit check employment eligibility verification and/or a preemployment physical. Whether a background check is deemed successfully completed will be at the sole discretion of St. Olaf College. Please note St. Olaf College reserves the right to conduct periodic background checks at its sole discretion.
Disclaimer:
- This position may require you to report early stay late or work different shifts depending on staffing levels. It may also require you to perform all essential job functions whenever needed and during campus emergencies when necessary.
- This job description is for general information purposes. It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position. This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College with or without prior notice.
- Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
