Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, stands uniquely positioned in the Northwest as a metropolitan research university of distinction. Learn more about Boise State and the City of Boise at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/

Boise State University is building an inclusive community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, cultural contributions, work history, and perspectives create a rich and rewarding academic experience for our students. Research demonstrates that people thrive when they feel welcome, respected, and inspired. We seek applicants who are committed to helping us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Applications from members of historically marginalized groups, including women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged.

Serves in a temporary position that enables an individual with their Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the position can perform mostly independent research, collaborate on a multi-scholar research initiative, or even may have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

This position is hybrid-eligible.

Mission: We passionately foster learning in anthropology, engage in fundamental and transformative research, and serve our community in confronting the problems faced by humankind and the planet.

Vision: Bridging worlds to develop a new anthropology that bridges the subdisciplines within the field, connects Anthropology to other disciplines, accelerates basic science to transformative application, and integrates academic and non-academic worlds.

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.

The postdoctoral research fellow will join an interdisciplinary project (funded by the MURI program) to predict and communicate flood risk associated with climate change uncertainties. The fellow will attend full team meetings, assist in mentoring Master’s students, identify and conduct ethnographic research with key infrastructure decision-makers in the Detroit, Michigan area and Killeen, Texas, and collaborate with engineers, atmospheric scientists, psychologists, and computer scientists. The project is aimed at uncertainty quantification and the development of protocols for wider use to improve decision-making for future infrastructure projects. The fellow will be responsible for ethnographic inquiry to generate insights that can inform the models co-developed by the team as well as helping to develop best practices for communication of the resulting models, and a streamlined ethnographic protocol for wider use.

Basic

• The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• A critical eye toward consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and mentoring skills.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Practical or professional work experience in applied anthropological research
• Familiarity and/or experience with industry research settings in North America
• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate students in applied ethnography, UX research, or qualitative research methods
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment
• Previous experience in interdisciplinary research collaborations
• Previous research experience in climate change impacts, flood risks, and decision-making

Annual Salary $65,000. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/.

Applicants should submit: 1) a cover letter outlining your motivation for applying with a narrative describing past, current, and future research plans, details of your teaching/mentoring experience, including your professional development experience in teaching; and current and prior service to the discipline and institution; 2) a current curriculum vitae; and 3) the name and contact information for three references (letters will not be requested until later in the search process).