Postdoctoral Scholar, Law, Policy & Engineering

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Postdoctoral Scholar – Law, Policy & Engineering (LPE)

The Kirchhoff Lab at Penn State is recruiting a talented Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to two National Science Foundation funded projects that investigate 1) transformation/transitions in U.S. water quality governance and co-production that resulted in measurable improvements in water quality and 2) the human dimensions of resilience and climate adaptation in water/wastewater systems. The successful candidate will also contribute to advancing public service-oriented research initiatives at the interface of Law, Policy and Engineering (LPE) to benefit society. This term, benefits-eligible position will have an initial contract for one year; the possibility of renewal for a second year is contingent on satisfactory performance.

Penn State is a top-ranked research university and Pennsylvania's sole land-grant institution, founded with a mission of high-quality teaching, expert research, and global service—driven to make a difference. Postdoctoral Scholars are part of a vibrant community and campus-wide effort that aims to enhance the postdoctoral experience through in-depth career and professional development (https://www.research.psu.edu/opa ). The LPE Program within the School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI) is a new interdisciplinary academic and research collaboration between the College of Engineering, School of International Affairs, and Penn State Law. This interdisciplinary program offers a unique platform for advancing fundamental and applied research at the interface of law, policy, and engineering.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will be part of a team of faculty, students, and researchers within the Kirchhoff Lab at Penn State’s College of Engineering. Primary job functions and responsibilities include:

• Lead/co-lead development of research design, secure institutional review board approvals as needed, and conduct research on transformation/transitions in water quality governance and co-production that resulted in measurable improvements in water quality, as well as the human dimensions of resilience and climate adaptation in water/wastewater systems.

• Lead authorship and co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications in high-quality scientific journals and in public-facing and practice-oriented publication venues with Kirchhoff Lab and other collaborators, as appropriate.

• Contribute to initiating new research and collaborations at the interface of LPE to benefit society.

• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students.

• Occasional travel may be required to present results at national or international conferences, or for professional development opportunities.

• Work towards the successful completion of the stated goals of Kirchhoff Lab projects.

The successful candidate will work with the research team to contribute to current research and establish new research directions, contribute to grant proposal preparation, design research studies, publish research, and mentor students.

The preferred candidate will have a Ph.D. or equivalent in one or more of the following areas: civil/environmental/water resources engineering, environmental studies, political science, sociology, or other relevant interdisciplinary or social science discipline. Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including survey and interview design and data collection, statistical analysis of categorical or count data, and qualitative analysis, are essential. Experience with quantitative text analysis (i.e., natural language processing of text data) or with scientometric or bibliometric analysis is a plus.

The ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others on interdisciplinary research teams is crucial. Demonstrated productivity in terms of published peer-reviewed journal articles and scientific conference presentations is required. Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills (including spoken/written English) are required. Experience with leadership roles within large research projects, with grant proposal preparation, and experience interacting with decision makers or policymakers is preferred.  

Applications should include a 1) a statement of interest that describes your background, fit for the position, and career goals, 2) CV, 3) two relevant publications, and 4) names and contact information for three referees that can speak to your qualifications and fit with the Lab and our work.

The position will remain open until filled and applications will be reviewed upon receipt. The anticipated start date is January 2023, although the start date is negotiable. Remote work is possible. Contact Dr. Christine Kirchhoff at [email protected] if you have questions about the position.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

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Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

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