Department: Institute for a Sustainable Environment
Rank: No Rank
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins
Applications will be reviewed as need arises

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit cover letter and current resume or CV.

Department Summary
The purpose of this announcement is to identify highly motivated researchers from a variety of social science disciplines such as political science, sociology, human geography, and the human dimensions of forestry who are interested in joining the Institute for a Sustainable Environment to assist with or lead nationally relevant natural resource, environmental, and sustainability research. The Institute is the University of Oregon’s oldest sustainability-oriented research center, and has an interdisciplinary faculty with interests in sustainable rural development, natural resource and environmental policy, green jobs, biodiversity conservation, land use and management, collaboration, conservation practices, ecological restoration, geography, green building design, renewable energy, health policy, climate change, and other related issues. The successful candidate will support and enhance a diverse learning and working background. Additional information about the Institute for a Sustainable Environment can be found at http://sustainable.uoregon.edu/.

Position Summary
Positions are non-career, non-tenure track, and may be full or part-time. Research Assistant and Research Associate positions are limited duration appointments potentially renewable for up to a total of three years. In limited circumstances, there is the possibility of renewal beyond three years based on programmatic need, funding, and performance. Postdoctoral Scholars hired through the applicant pool process may be renewed for up to a total of five years depending on performance, funding, and need.

The applicant pool will be used to identify highly motivated, high-quality candidates interested in contributing to applied research and technical assistance projects. Job duties will vary depending on the particular position and the available funding, and can include:
• Research, assessment, and monitoring including all phases of literature reviews, data collection, data analyses (including quantitative, qualitative, spatial) and writing to prepare scientific papers, reports, and presentations for scholarly and lay audiences.
• Implementation of public service and technical assistance projects, such as organizing and/or facilitating meetings and delivering presentations.
• Leadership and participation on research teams.
• Writing and contributing to grant applications.
• Communicating with the public and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Coordinating, editing and monitoring work of UO students.
• Traveling locally, regionally, or nationally as needed for data collection or conferences.

Minimum Requirements
Research Assistants should have a minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as political science, sociology, human geography, and the human dimensions of forestry. Significant professional experience may substitute for a Master’s degree for highly qualified individuals.

Research Associates must have a PhD in a relevant field, work independently, and work with less supervision than research assistants.

Postdoctoral Scholars must have a PhD in a relevant field, will train under the sponsorship of a research faculty member, and will participate in a mentoring plan.

Other requirements for all three ranks:
• Two years of experience with some combination of natural resource policy and management, community-government relations, collaboration, climate change, sustainable rural development, forestry, ecology, land use policy, or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience with a variety of quantitative and qualitative social or natural science research methods and a willingness and ability to learn new methods as needs arise.

Professional Competencies
• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and leadership capacity.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain overall program mission.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of and familiarity with western U.S. natural resource issues and concerns, including federal land management, rural development, wildfire management and policy, or water management and policy.
• A record of publications for both lay and academic audiences.
• A record of successful fundraising and grant/budget management.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA.  The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at http://police.uoregon.edu/annual-report.