Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

A transdisciplinary team is exploring how a forest-based bioeconomy can contribute to the restoration of degraded areas in the Amazon, strengthen local economies, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The postdoctoral research associate will work under the guidance of Profs. Emilio Moran, Nathan Moore, Maria Claudia Lopez, and Scott Stark at Michigan State University. These scholars specialize in climate science, remote sensing, human-environment interactions, forest ecology, and sustainability science. The project is a component of a large international transdisciplinary research team that includes expertise in community-based resource economics, forest ecology, climate modeling, anthropology, geography, sustainable food systems, and food security. The position will be based at the Center for Global Change and Observations.

The primary responsibility of the postdoctoral research associate will be to investigate the existing bioeconomy in the Amazon, including the identification of forest products and their market flows (local, regional, global). The associate will map the extent of the current bioeconomy and explore community visions for its future utilizing existing and new resources. An important component will be the assessment of the climate value and climate change risks of the regional bioeconomy. The work will include field research in the Amazon, model and data analysis, manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at professional meetings and symposia. The postdoctral research associate will play a key role in modeling the regional bioeconomy and collaborating with the team on its effects on climate mitigation and adaptation.

The postdoctoral research associate will have opportunities to engage in fieldwork, collecting both secondary and primary data on the bioeconomy, with a particular focus on indigenous knowledge that supports local bioeconomy practices. The goal is to ensure that the research sustains biodiversity, improves livelihoods, and promotes environmental justice. The postdoctoral research associate will also have the opportunity to interact and network with Brazilian scholars from partner institutions, such as the University of Sao Paulo, INPE, Embrapa, IPAM, and Cemadem's risk assessment group. Additional training and professional development opportunities relevant to the postdoctoral associate's career goals will be available through the MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (https://postdocs.msu.edu/).

This is a full-time position with an initial appointment of one year. Appointment may be renewed for one additional year based on job performance and funding availability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Ecology, Geography, Anthropology, or other related field with demonstrated expertise in modeling.

Minimum Requirements

PhD in hand at the time of application. Portuguese language fluency. Significant field experience in the Amazon. Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Evidence of being successful in doing ecosystem modeling, agent based modeling, or other relevant models to the study of Forest-People interactions. Strong evidence of contributions or potential for contributions to DEI and a collegial work environment, such as recruiting minorities or of participation in DEI workshops. The position requires a the ability to perform a minimum of two months of field work each year. Preference for career-stage appropriate publishing in top-tier journals. Evidence of past recognition for impact of publications (e.g. awards, number of citations, h-index). 

Required Application Materials

Application materials should be submitted as early as November 1 and will be accepted until the preferred candidate is selected. Please include:

• a cover letter explaining how this position aligns with your career goals, with a detailed discussion of your modeling experience;
• a complete CV;
• two to three page statement of research goals summarizing your research interests and experience to date;
• three letters of reference;
• description of how past and/or potential contributions to diversity/inclusion will advance MSU's commitment to inclusive excellence;
• two representative publications or papers.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on November 15 and remain active until the position is filled.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Professor Emilio Moran at moranef@msu.edu.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Review of Applications Begins On

11/01/2024

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.