Boise State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a specialization in community-engaged research with rural, agricultural, and/or Tribal Nations to join a transdisciplinary team to develop community-driven future scenarios in Idaho. This research relates to a recently awarded National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research Infrastructure Improvement program grant (https://idahocrews.org). The award, titled “Idaho Community-engaged Resilience for Energy-Water Systems (I-CREWS)”, will facilitate statewide transdisciplinary research to study and address the resilience of energy-water systems in the context of climate, population, and technological changes. Using diverse Idaho communities as study sites, the project integrates local knowledge, governance dynamics, and advanced analytics to evaluate resilience strategies, model current and future energy-water configurations, and develop future scenarios.

We seek applicants whose research interests are focused on some combination of energy-water systems, resilience environmental change, and community engagement, We are interested in candidates from a broad range of disciplines, including geography, sociology, political science, and anthropology. While we are open to a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches, candidates with expertise in and experience working directly with community partners to develop research projects are particularly encouraged to apply. While not necessary, familiarity with GIS, participatory modeling, spatiotemporal visualization techniques, and/or scenario analysis would be beneficial .

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work collaboratively with I-CREWS team members at Boise State University, Idaho State University, and the University of Idaho, a group of faculty and students committed to transdisciplinary, team-based, actionable research that addresses real-world environmental challenges.

The position can begin as early as September 15 (start date is flexible) and will be contracted for one year, with a second year of funding available dependent on performance.

Idaho envisions generating world-class research competitiveness and capacity in collaboration with resilient urban, rural, and tribal communities that can adapt to climate, population, and technological changes impacting E-W interactions. The I-CREWS mission is to co-create research and solutions that transform the relationship between research, education, technologies and Idaho’s urban, rural and tribal communities.

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

• Facilitate and/or lead stakeholder and rightsholder engagement
• Design and administer interviews and analyze interview data and/or design and administer surveys and analyze survey data, depending on prior experience
• Coordinate and lead stakeholder workshops
• Manage project datasets
• Coordinate project meetings
• Prepare manuscripts and publish results in peer-reviewed journals
• Present research results at national conferences

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative social science research methods
• Ability to work with stakeholders, landowners, policymakers, and an interdisciplinary team of scientists
• Experience with community-engaged scholarship, including coordination of stakeholder meetings and workshops
• Proficient in GIS

• Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• The candidate should possess a doctoral degree earned within last five years in human geography, sociology, anthropology, natural resources, or similar field or be ABD
• Experience with community-engaged scholarship, including coordination of stakeholder meetings and workshops

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Research Statement

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/