What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate in Engineering and Society position at The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia?
The Arctic Research Center (ARC) at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in social science. This scholar will work at the intersections of Indigenous studies and climate equity as a part of the ARC as well as the Mellon Foundation’s Race, Place, and Equity Program at UVA. The postdoctoral scholar can choose to contribute to social studies of: ethical methods of knowledge production with Indigenous communities, Indigenous sovereignty over data and knowledge, climate equity, sustainable infrastructure, and responsible environmental data science, among other possible themes. As a team of environmental scientists, architects, and social scientists, the ARC works to improve the sustainability of Arctic cities in a time of severe climate change through collaborative knowledge-making with Arctic residents. In this project, which is funded by UVA’s Environmental Institute, we are investigating how different snow management techniques affect the stability of permafrost. The project is based in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, which has a majority population of Indigenous Iñupiat residents. We will work with residents to study environmental and cultural relationships between water, permafrost, snow management, and the physical and social infrastructures they interact with. Together we will use these results to co-produce design recommendations to improve drainage. These physical and social strategies will help protect the city’s permafrost and thus its infrastructural resilience. Dr. Caitlin Wylie will mentor the postdoc, as will the rest of the Arctic Research Center faculty. The postdoc will also belong to a cohort of postdocs through the Race, Place, and Equity Program, which provides additional mentoring, community-building, and professional development. We also encourage the postdoc to take advantage of UVA’s excellent professional development opportunities. UVA is actively building its relationships with Indigenous communities locally and globally, and the postdoc is welcome to join that initiative (e.g., the Native and Indigenous Relations Community, UVA’s Tribal Liaison). QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant social science by the start date of August 1, 2025. Required skills include: 1) experience conducting ethnographic research methods and 2) experience participating in collaborative interdisciplinary research. Desirable skills include: 1) experience working with Indigenous communities, 2) expertise about Alaskan Indigenous cultures, 3) experience doing community outreach, and 4) strong communication skills in writing and speaking. The postdoc is expected to be in residence at UVA. The postdoc will work on the ARC project for half of their time, and their own research the other half of their time. There are teaching opportunities if the postdoc would like that experience, but teaching is not required. We expect the postdoc to: Conduct interviews and participant observation with researchers and community partners in Utqiaġvik, AK Contribute to the project’s social science objectives as well as pursue their own research interests Help organize workshops and events to bring together researchers and community members Help supervise undergraduate and graduate student researchers Participate in academic conferences and prepare single-authored and co-authored publications for peer-reviewed journals Contribute to writing grant proposals APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs. Please attach a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a sample chapter or paper, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the CV box. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin February 1, 2025, though the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional year, contingent upon satisfactory performance. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position includes benefits and a research stipend. For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Caitlin Wylie, Associate Professor, at wylie@virginia.edu . For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu . For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits. 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