Postdoctoral researcher opportunity - mixed-methods environmental policy research
Murray
An opportunity exists at Emory University for a motivated and productive early-career researcher to join Dr. Murray Rudd’s new environmental social science lab in the Department of Environmental Sciences. The position will focus on applying emerging methods for text mining and other ‘Big Text’ approaches to environmental policy challenges. The project will include theoretical, practical, and policy-focused aspects – one of the goals will be to advance empirical applications within the Narrative Policy Framework. While a marine or freshwater focus is desirable, the substantive focus on particular environmental issues will be flexible for the successful candidate. In broad terms, the position may involve possibilities such as:
· constructing and using large textual databases (e.g., conference and journal abstracts, grant application summaries, research evaluation summaries, etc…) to scan emerging issues and evaluate advances in conservation policy and practice;
· using open-end survey responses and focus group transcripts to help identify and differentiate sample segments based on structured data and quantitative analyses;
· conduct semi-structured qualitative interviews with scientists, stakeholders, and policy-makers to identify how the use of science in their narratives and policy storylines varies and how the uptake of credible science can be increased;
· exploring career motivations of conservation scientists and assessing their willingness and ability to engage in crossdisciplinary research.
This position, based in Atlanta at Emory University, will initially be made for one year and may be renewed for a second year depending on performance. Applicants should have a strong research and publication record for their career stage. The position would suit applicants with a PhD from the environmental social sciences and with strong empirical training, or policy-oriented natural scientists who are keen on becoming deeply involved in policy research.
The anticipated start date is 01 January 2016 (depending on an applicant’s current eligibility to work in the US, this date could be advanced).
To apply, email a cover letter, c.v., and pdf’s of up to three relevant publications to murray...@emory.edu. All materials should be submitted by Friday, 25 September, 2015; the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
For further enquiries, see Dr. Rudd’s webpage or contact him by email.
https://murrayrudd.wordpress.com/opportunities/
For more information about Emory University and the Department of Environmental Sciences, see:
http://envs.emory.edu/home/index.html
http://www.emory.edu/home/index.html