Postdoctoral Researcher (Faculty)

The Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI) is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to work closely with a team of natural and social scientists to evaluate the state of adaptation in the Midwest in sectors that relate to the intersection of urban green infrastructure with wildlife conservation and natural resource management. The ERI is one of the founding institutions of the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (MCASC), a Center funded by the U.S. Geological Survey and comprising academic and partner institutions in Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The ideal candidate will help strengthen our consortium’s approach to synthesis and communicate patterns and practices across the region, with the goal of accelerating the pace of adaptation in natural resources management.

This project aims to synthesize knowledge around urbanization and ecosystems, focusing on the mixed nature of cities as oases and wastelands for wildlife, and examining the particular role that urban biodiversity may play in climate resilience. The topic is relevant to the MCASC, given the urbanized and industrialized nature of much of the Midwest and the ecological pressures already placed on wildlife from agricultural practices. The overarching research questions are: (1) What role do urbanized areas play in wildlife preservation and climate adaptation of ecosystems? (2) Conversely, how are urban areas threats to wildlife preservation and climate adaptation?, and (3) What design and policy tools are available in this region to maximize the positive impacts of urban green infrastructure with respect to wildlife preservation and climate adaptation? We are seeking a person experienced in interdisciplinary scholarship at the interface of the ecological and social sciences with expertise in mixed-methods approaches. The position is annually renewable with continuation dependent on performance and availability of funds, for up to two years.

The MCASC Consortium’s vision is to advance climate adaptation science and practice across all components of the climate

adaptation cycle by pursuing region-specific, collaborative, synthesis projects that build on past work, provide new resources and tools, and catalyze adaptation capacity across the Midwest. The Postdoctoral Fellow will help coordinate and serve as the principal analyst and researcher for the Consortium’s second synthesis project: What is the role of urban systems and green infrastructure in fostering climate resilience for Midwest ecosystems. Phase one of this project will yield a model based on multiple urbanized systems that will form the backbone of a “best practices” guide and inform a research roadmap for urban green infrastructure that builds urban biodiversity and climate resilience for both non-human and human organisms, as opposed to the typical practice of designing urban green infrastructure for human benefit or profit. The model will then be tested in Phase 2 with the assistance of MCASC partner organizations across various urban areas in the Midwest region to gauge green infrastructure capacity and future plans for climate resilience.

The postdoc will additionally: 1) Coordinate and support the day- to-day activities of the Synthesis Workgroup, which consists of Consortium members from academia and agencies; 2) communicate in a variety of formats to document workgroup progress, organize regular project communications, help organize the annual network meeting, and contribute to other training activities of the MCASC. This position will also play a leadership role in the coordination and management of a regional Community of Practice in partnership with the Consortium’s designated Program Lead for capacity-building.

The postdoc will lead data synthesis and senior-author associated manuscripts. Research outcomes will be co-produced with non- academic project partners, to support the implementation of research findings into operations and environmental decision- making. This will require thoughtful partner engagement, regular briefings, and recommendation memos, and this experience will result in the development of a professional academic and non-academic network, and professional skills (e.g., public engagement, grant writing, administrative tasks,

publishing, etc.) that will serve the scholar throughout their career. The CASC’s University Director will facilitate the postdoc’s interaction across the Consortium, and the CASC’s USGS director and USGS staff will facilitate interaction with Federal stakeholders.

At Indiana University, postdoctoral scholars are academic employees who conduct research and provide service that enhances career skills or allows for opportunities to learn new research. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor from the MW CASC who determines the training agenda. The individual serving in this role will gain experience working in social-ecological systems, become intimately familiar with the development and implementation of climate adaptation plans, experience high-level research activities, and closely observe the academic environment in a regional comprehensive university that combines high expectations for research along with a focus on both graduate and undergraduate education.

Application review will be rolling until filled, with the first review anticipated on January 31, 2025, with a potential start date of March 1, 2025. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/27461.

To apply, please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) CV or resume, and (3) contact information for at least two references (i.e., name, title, organization; URL to biographical sketch or similar; address, phone number, and email address; and relationship to the candidate). References would not be contacted until final candidates have been identified; candidates would be notified prior to contacting references. PhD (or ABD) at time of application, with PhD required at time of appointment. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Gabriel Filippelli, gfilippe@iu.edu.

We anticipate that the incumbent in this position will reside locally and be primarily located either on the Bloomington or Indianapolis campus of Indiana University. There may be

potential for a remote position as this will be a Synthesis project aimed at developing best practices across the MCASC. Work may involve efforts across both campuses, and also with significant participation with the community of practice and Synthesis Workgroup.