Pennsylvania State University
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Post-doctoral Associate in Socioecological Outcomes and Monitoring of Restoration in Dryland Ecosystems The Pennsylvania State University in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Country
United States
University
Pennsylvania State University
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About this position
This postdoctoral associate position is part of an NSF DISES-funded collaborative project on socioecological outcomes of restoration in dryland forest-grassland landscapes. The project examines how biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional dimensions interact in restoration settings, with field and data contexts in Malawi and South Africa.
The successful candidate will work within a broad international research team spanning Penn State, the University of Minnesota, Duke University, the University of Witwatersrand, and LUANAR. At Penn State, the postdoctoral associate will report to Ida Djenontin and benefit from co-mentorship across disciplines. The work is based at the University Park Campus and includes some travel for collaboration and meetings.
The core research emphasis is on understanding the socio-ecological impacts of ecosystem restoration in mosaic forest-grassland systems and developing appropriate monitoring frameworks. The role involves working with multiple forms of empirical data, including household and community surveys, semi-structured interviews, ecological surveys from forests and farms, remote sensing of land-cover change, and additional secondary data.
The position is designed for a researcher who can bridge social and ecological perspectives and contribute to integrative outputs. The postdoctoral associate will help produce scientific publications and policy-oriented research products, coordinate with team members across institutions, and participate in outreach activities connected to the wider restoration research network. The appointment also includes opportunities for training in scientific publication, grant writing, outreach, and other research skills within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
This is a term appointment with possible renewal contingent on performance and funding availability.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Ph.D. degree with expertise in at least two of the following areas: human-environment geography, landscape ecology, land system science, remote sensing/GIS science, data science, or a related field. Candidates should have a demonstrated interdisciplinary background integrating social and ecological theories, methods, and data, with interest in advancing data-integration skills. Experience with both quantitative and qualitative analysis of data is required, including household surveys, spatial data, interviews, ecological data, and statistical methods to account for trade-offs and co-benefits. A publication record showing the ability to publish integrative social-ecological research is required. Preferred qualifications include understanding ecosystem restoration policy dynamics linking biodiversity, climate, and human well-being, experience with mixed land-use landscapes and rural smallholder livelihoods policy, and ability to coordinate complex team-based projects with diverse partners using tact, diplomacy, initiative, and sound judgement.
How to apply
Apply online through Workday using the external applicant route unless you are a current Penn State employee or student. Upload an academic CV, cover letter, two representative publications, and names and contact information for three professional references. Combine application materials into a single document before uploading.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.