Voss Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environment and Society

The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) seeks candidates for distinguished postdoctoral positions in any field of study relevant to environmental research. Voss Postdoctoral Research Associates conduct independent research, and are mentored by one or more IBES faculty. These faculty have expertise in a wide variety of disciplines: Anthropology, Biogeochemistry, Climate Modeling, Ecology, Economics, Environmental History, Epidemiology, Hydrology, and Sociology (for a complete list of eligible faculty mentors see Application Instructions, below). 

Postdoctoral associates can be mentored by one or more IBES faculty working in the same or different fields of study (for an eligible list of faculty mentors please see below).  Each applicant must coordinate with their chosen IBES faculty mentor(s) prior to submitting their application for this position.  

Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the commitment of IBES and Brown University.  Accordingly, IBES seeks qualified candidates who can contribute to racial equity, diversity and inclusion through service, mentorship, teaching and scholarship. Further, IBES is keenly interested in diversifying and encourages applications from diverse candidates. Candidates from historically underrepresented group(s) in higher education are encouraged to apply.

Appointments will have an expected term of two years starting sometime in the summer or early fall of 2022.  Voss Postdoctoral Research Associates receive a salary of $62,500, plus benefits and a discretionary research fund of up to $4,000.  The selected candidates are expected to devote their appointment to research activities, but in special cases they may have the opportunity to also teach undergraduate courses.

Requirements for the position include a Ph.D. at the time the position commences in a field of study relevant to environmental research, an ability to take initiative and work independently, an interest in contributing to a dialog across disciplinary boundaries, a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, and the confirmed support of an IBES faculty mentor.

Applicants should submit a research proposal based on the guidelines below, including a written confirmation of the faculty mentor(s) who have been contacted. Proposals will be judged on scientific merit, an achievable research plan and the degree to which they contribute to or compliment the research activities of faculty mentors and the mission of IBES.  Further, IBES is interested in qualified candidates who have demonstrated commitment to excellence by providing leadership in teaching, research or service toward building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

Letters of support will be requested from the proposed mentor(s). This letter of support will be request directly from the faculty mentor after receipt of a completed application. Any individual faculty member can only be the primary mentor for a maximum of two applicants, so it is important to coordinate with the faculty members as soon as possible to confirm their commitment.  Applicants should contact their proposed mentor early in the application process and must gain their consent to serve as a faculty mentor prior to the application deadline.

To apply, please submit the following items by November 1, 2021:

• Cover letter describing 1) your interest in the position, 2) how this position relates to your career goals, 3) how your research links with IBES' mission, and 4) discussion of experience with and/or ideas related to addressing diversity and inclusion (1-2 pages);
• Current CV;
• Document stating IBES mentor(s) who have been contacted;
• Project proposal (1500 words maximum, excluding references). Proposals should briefly address the following points:
  • Title and brief abstract
  • Project background and importance: Why is this work important? Why does it matter? What is known and what is new about this question? How does it relate to IBES and its mission?
  • How does this project fit with your own previous work and your proposed mentor's?
  • Project plan: What will you actually do? Include a timeline or work plan if appropriate. If additional resources will be needed to complete the work, do you have options for funding them?
  • Project outcomes: What products will come out of this project (e.g. articles, methods, datasets, policy briefs, educational materials)? What types of support will you need to produce and disseminate these?
  • References (not included in 1500 word limit)
• Three confidential letters of reference from advisors or colleagues who know your previous work well. Referees should submit letters directly through Interfolio, which will supply a direct link when contact information is entered.

Eligible Faculty Mentors: (Note: Please contact and confirm faculty member(s) commitment to your application prior to submitting it.)

Eligible IBES Core Faculty

• Bathsheba Demuth

• Scott Frickel

• Elizabeth Fussell

• Daniel Ibarra

• Tyler Kartzinel

• James Kellner

• Brian Lander

• Myles Lennon

• Amanda Lynch

• Stephen Porder

• Dov Sax

• J Timmons Roberts

• Laurence C. Smith

• Leah VanWey

• Rachel Wetts

Eligible IBES Elected Faculty

• Anna Aizer

• Joseph Braun

• Andrew Foster

• Baylor Fox-Kemper

• Timothy Herbert

• Yongsong Huang

• Robert Hurt

• Nancy Jacobs

• Agnes Kane

• Jung-Eun Lee

• J. Brad Marston

• John Mustard

• James Russell

• Neil Safier

• Eric Suuberg

• Peter van Dommelen

• N. Parker VanValkenburgh

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.