Position Title
Post-Doctoral Fellow – Critical Environments Laboratory
The Opportunity
The Critical Environments Lab within the Department of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at the Colorado School of Mines is seeking applications for a social science Post-Doctoral Fellow to join a project on the politics of “dead pool” risk in hydropower reservoirs in the American West. This two-year Post-Doc position is funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. In collaboration with Associate Professor Dr. Adrianne Kroepsch , the Post-Doc will lead interview-based qualitative fieldwork that explores the threat of dead pool, and dam managers’ responses to it, across two project phases. Phase one will focus on in-depth case studies of three reservoirs in California, with interviews conducted in-person in the field. Phase two will focus on a larger sample of reservoir sites in the American West, with interviews conducted via Zoom. Qualitative data collection will also include policy document collection/analysis and historical research. In addition to spearheading data collection, the Post-Doc will lead qualitative data analysis and manuscript preparation.
The ideal candidate will possess a working knowledge of Western water law, policy, and history; will bring a critical eye and their own theoretical interests to the topic of dead pool (e.g., dams as assemblages, political ecologies of storage, hydrosocial adaptation regimes, infrastructural obsolescence, unruliness and the socio-environmental state, etc.); and will be keen to collaborate with a small multi-disciplinary team that includes hydroclimate and energy modelers. The Critical Environments Lab’s home within Colorado’s premiere public engineering university gives us direct access to cutting-edge environmental science research that expands the research questions we are able to ask and our audience of decision-makers. The position start date is flexible in Fall 2023, with a preference for applicants available in September. Candidate should be trained in Geography, Environmental Studies, Science and Technology Studies, or a kindred social science field. Candidate should have completed their PhD by summer 2023.
Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research activities in collaboration with faculty mentor
- Lead qualitative data collection via in-depth interviews conducted in-person and on Zoom
- Lead qualitative data analysis and manuscript preparation
- Participate in a weekly research group meeting
- Collaborate with hydroclimate and energy modeling colleagues as needed
- Submit minimum of 1 research paper each year; revise and resubmit papers as needed
- Present findings at national conferences
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- PhD in Geography, Environmental Studies, Science and Technology Studies, or a kindred social science field
- Expertise in qualitative research methods (in-depth interviews, document analysis, historical synthesis) and qualitative data analysis
- Experience running an effective research project and conducting independent fieldwork
Preferred Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- PhD in Geography, Environmental Studies, Science and Technology Studies, or a kindred social science field
- Expertise in qualitative research methods (in-depth interviews, document analysis, historical synthesis) and qualitative data analysis
- Experience running an effective research project and conducting independent fieldwork
- Has previously published in a peer-reviewed academic journal
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of water law, policy, and history in the American West
- Strengths in critical social science approaches to water governance (e.g., political ecology, etc.)
- Effective project management skills (e.g., ability to be self-directed and execute a research plan)
- Collaborative spirit, comfort collaborating with a mentor and on a small multi-disciplinary team
- Desire to contribute intellectually and socially to a diverse and inclusive department of social scientists and humanists
About Mines & Golden, CO
Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver. The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. A sunny, high-altitude climate with outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience.
Equal Opportunity
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veterans status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.
Pay Range
$58,000 – $63,000
Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
Total Rewards
Mines is proud to provide exceptional benefits that include pay, health & wellness and work/life balance offerings. Our portfolio of benefits includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. Additionally, Mines employees are eligible for tuition benefits (for employees and dependents), generous paid holidays and leaves and discount programs. For more information, visit Mines benefits .