Postdoctoral Associate in Socioecological Outcomes and Monitoring of Restoration in Dryland Ecosystems Pennsylvania State University in United States

Postdoctoral Associate in Socioecological Outcomes and Monitoring of Restoration in Dryland Ecosystems at Pennsylvania State University (University Park, Pennsylvania, United States).

This postdoctoral opening is part of an NSF DISES-funded collaborative project on socioecological outcomes of restoration in dryland forest-grassland landscapes. The research spans biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional dimensions of ecosystem restoration and involves collaboration with Penn State, Duke University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Witswatersrand, and LUANAR.

The successful candidate will analyze empirical social and ecological data from Malawi and South Africa, including household and community surveys, semi-structured interviews, ecological surveys, remote sensing of land cover change, and secondary datasets. The role also includes developing monitoring frameworks, producing scientific publications and policy briefs, coordinating with the research team, and supporting outreach and science-policy engagement across Africa and the United States.

Research keywords: socioecological outcomes, ecosystem restoration, dryland ecosystems, landscape ecology, human-environment geography, land system science, remote sensing/GIS, data science, policy analysis, social-ecological research.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold a Ph.D. and have expertise in at least two of the following: human-environment geography, landscape ecology, land system science, remote sensing/GIS science, data science, or a related field. The post also seeks demonstrated interdisciplinary experience integrating social and ecological theories, methods, and data; quantitative and qualitative analysis skills; statistical methods for trade-offs and co-benefits; and a publication record in integrative social-ecological research. Preferred experience includes ecosystem restoration policy, mixed land-use landscapes, rural smallholder livelihoods, and team-based project coordination.

Funding and appointment: this is a full-time postdoctoral associate position. The initial appointment is for 1 year, with a possible 1-year renewal depending on performance and funding availability. No stipend amount is listed.

How to apply: submit the application online through Penn State Workday. Prepare an academic CV, a 1–2 page cover letter describing your fit, two representative publications, and contact information for three professional references. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and the position remains open until filled.