Postdoctoral Research Scholar Marine Biodiversity and Corporate Sustainability

The Arizona State University Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and School of Life Sciences invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar position to join a vibrant and growing interdisciplinary team of faculty students and non-academic partners to develop and implement a portfolio of projects that advance marine biodiversity conservation policy and action in the United States. The position is a full-time non-tenure track benefits eligible position with an anticipated start date in May 2026.

Salary: $61008 - $72100 annually depending on experience; DOE

Expanding and applying knowledge about marine biodiversity is critical to improving decision-making in all sectors with regards to resource management and investment. A whole-of-society approach to synthesizing expanding and sharing ocean and coastal biodiversity knowledge and strengthening institutions to apply this knowledge can support improved evidence-based protection and sustainable use.

The private sector is critical for achieving sustainable outcomes and due to regulatory and social pressure is increasingly interested in working in the realm of biodiversity conservation However it is still unclear how biodiversity information can best be integrated into private-sector processes in ways that accomplish both business goals and biodiversity conservation. Our project focuses on interrelated questions: (1) What are the key private sector actors and industries with a stake in ocean biodiversity (2) What are the goals needs and capacities of these key private sector actors (3) What are immediate opportunities for coordinating action across the private sector public sector and civil society organizations (4) Where are knowledge gaps that preclude action Our proposed work facilitates action to improve the sustainability of marine freshwater and coastal biodiversity in the U.S.

About the Center for Biodiversity Outcomes

Our mission is to enable the discoveries and solutions needed to sustain Earths biodiversity in a time of rapid biophysical institutional and cultural change. Biodiversity is the foundation of our economy and well-being. The center innovates path-breaking practical solutions in biodiversity conservation by partnering with NGOs corporations governments and other academic institutions while training the next generation of conservation leaders. We envision a world where the diversity of life on Earth is valued and sustained for the benefit of all. CBO supports research that accelerates the success of sustainable biodiversity outcomes. As a boundary organization the center employs an actionable science model to cultivate interdisciplinary collaboration and co-produce solutions with government agencies non-governmental agencies foundations and corporations. This position will have the opportunity to engage in collaborations as part of the centers existing partnerships with Blue Convergence Fund NOAA Smithsonian Institution Trellis and others. Learn more at

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University with a community of more than 670 faculty graduate students postdoctoral fellows and staff and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of desert tortoises. As ASUs first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crows integrated interdisciplinary vision for the New American University the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries. Learn more at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University committed to improving communities on a local national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College our faculty engage with a large curious student body guiding them as they grow into socially aware critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences please visit .

About Arizona State University

ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter ASU is a comprehensive public research university measured not by whom it excludes but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic social cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. Learn more at

Essential Functions:

• Conduct research: discover and synthesize relevant literature; compile analyze and synthesize data; disseminate results in presentations and peer-reviewed publications
• Extend/develop a typology for how marine biodiversity is relevant to companies
• Identify sectors of the economy that rely on/benefit from ocean biodiversity and synthesize data on sector characteristics
• Identify gaps between existing ocean biodiversity knowledge and current organizational activity to understand needed research
• Help lead a virtual convening and workshop which will be developed based on discussions and input from key private sector partners
• Assist with translation of concepts into forms relevant and compelling to private sector stakeholders
• Work closely with a transdisciplinary team including faculty students government scientists philanthropic partners NGO scientists private sector groups and community members
• Assist with funding applications to support project continuation.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD (or terminal degree) by the time of appointment in business conservation biology economics public policy sustainability or other degree that includes training at the nexus of private sector decision-making and the environment.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams.
• Data analysis and geospatial analysis skills and experience.
• Experience writing academic papers as well as producing literature targeted at a professional / non-academic audience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with and willingness to engage in co-production with partners from across society.
• Strong working knowledge of the corporate decision making and/or biodiversity literaturepreferably both.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty staff students and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.