What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post Doctoral Associate Climate Change Disinformation and Propaganda position at The University of Miami?
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The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science has an exciting full-time opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Associate to work in the Climate Accountability Lab headed by Prof. Geoffrey Supran. The Post-Doctoral Associate will apply quantitative and qualitative applied social science methods to one or more projects investigating the roles that legacy and social media companies, government agencies, academics, and other institutions and networks have played in mediating the public affairs campaigns of fossil fuel interests.
The primary bottleneck to tackling climate change is no longer science, technology, or policy know-how. It is the lack of social and political will to act. The climate challenge accordingly demands that we understand how knowledge and ignorance about climate science and its implications are constructed and communicated by incumbent special interests.
The research focus of the Climate Discourse Lab is climate change disinformation and propaganda. Specifically, we investigate the history, dynamics, impacts, and injustices of organized opposition to climate action, to elucidate the historical and sociological dimensions of the climate challenge and to inform initiatives to hold bad actors accountable. Ongoing areas of research include the corporate capture of academia, the revolving door between fossil fuel interests and government agencies, and digital climate deception on social media and news platforms. The researcher will be part of a growing team of graduate and postgraduate colleagues. Most research projects will entail collaborations with other academic and / or non-profit organizations and will involve both academic publishing and extensive public outreach and engagement.
Candidates must have strong capabilities in relevant research methods, which could include a combination of quantitative and qualitative applied social science approaches. Relevant skills include statistical analysis and open-ended data mining (social network analysis will be particularly helpful); applied machine learning including Natural Language Processing; quantitative content analysis; qualitative discourse analysis; survey research; and archival research. Evidence of effective teamwork and communication skills is desirable. Experience investigating disinformation and organized obstructionism, climate change politics or communication, conflicts of interest, or social media narratives is ideal but not essential.
Qualifications of position :
Expertise in any relevant topic will be considered. Minimum educational qualification is a PhD or equivalent in fields including but not limited to environmental science, communication science, sociology, history of science, data science, and computer science.
Required application materials :
Cover letter, a one-page statement of research experiences and interests, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.
Appointment term :
The position is for two years with the possibility for renewal.
The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.
UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females / Minorities / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.
Job Status : Full time
Employee Type : Staff
Pay Grade :
