Postdoctoral Research Associate in Social Science

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Social Science

Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Neonicotinoids (a class of systemic insecticides) have been a critical component of insect management in potato production in the United States since the mid-1990s. However, neonicotinoids have come under increasing scrutiny because of their unintended effects on non-target organisms, especially pollinators. Given possible restrictions of neonicotinoids for U.S. potato production, understanding how growers make decisions during times of regulatory uncertainty is key to designing effective, environmentally sustainable alternatives.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate (Social Scientist) will explore the factors that affect U.S. potato growers’ pest management decisions, the barriers and bridges to transitioning from seed-applied neonicotinoids to alternative (often information-intensive) practices, and the impacts of such transitions on growers, the potato industry, and society in general. This work is part of a large, multi-institutional, multidisciplinary project (“Enhancing Integrated Insect Pest Management Strategies for U.S. Potato Production Systems”) funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). The Postdoctoral Research Associate in Social Science will work as part of the Socioeconomic Working Group headed by Dr. Katherine Dentzman (Rural Sociologist) in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice (https://soc-cj.iastate.edu/) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (https://www.cals.iastate.edu/).

The successful candidate will be willing to travel out of state, with the possibility of overnight stays. They will be proficient in written and oral communication skills and have excellent organizational and communication skills. They will also have strong analytical and statistical skills. The position is a temporary, 12-month, full-time position.  

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  Ph.D. in rural sociology, sociology, or a closely related social science field.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Evidence of high-quality publications and presentations o
• Experience working in large, multidisciplinary research/outreach teams o
• Familiarity with specialty crop production and/or insect management decision-making
• Experience with qualitative research methods, survey design, management, and data analysis.
• Interest in agriculture, farmer decision-making, insect management, diffusion of innovations, environmental impacts of agriculture, and/or sustainability

Proposed Start Date:
June 1, 2024

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
May 31, 2025

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans;
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans;
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Wellbeing Program.

Original Posting Date:
December 19, 2023

Posting Close Date:
January 15, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R13667