Ione Post-Doctoral Associate

The Institute on the Environment (IonE), Knowledge Initiatives team, at the University of Minnesota, invites applications for an IonE Postdoctoral Fellowship focused on answering critical sustainability questions through systems thinking and deploying a range of interdisciplinary methods within social science and synthesis as well as data science and modeling. Each fellow will work on a one or two specific projects that may include research from the follow areas:

• Adaptation
• Mitigation
• Biodiversity
• Clean Energy
• Water and Land
• Food Systems
• Planetary Health
• Environmental Justice
• Natural Capital
• Decision Support

This work would be supervised and mentored by an Institute on the Environment research scientist or faculty. Each fellow will have a mentoring team that includes a primary mentor based at IonE, other IonE scholars, and a community, government, and/or industry mentor. This team is committed to support you in both project-based and professional development mentoring.

Overall, the Postdoc is expected to balance multiple tasks and manage time efficiently to ensure project activities and research activities are rigorous and completed in an organized and efficient manner for incorporation into multiple peer-reviewed publications. Research outcomes are also co-produced with non-academic project partners to support the implementation of research findings into operations and environmental decision-making, which requires thoughtful partner engagement, regular briefings, and recommendation memos. The position is annually renewable with continuation dependent on performance for two years.

Note: IonE Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to develop skills and adopt project management best practices for all their projects. This includes activities, incorporated into project work, such as:

• Project goal setting and meeting planning and managing-up of PI and project team members, including:
  • Report weekly on project goals and hours and location of work on Basecamp and Google calendar. Sick and vacation time for postdocs is expected to be claimed.
  • Report weekly on project goals and hours and location of work on Basecamp
  • Report back on project progress, collaborate, and identify needs with other team members on Basecamp
• Organize, document, and share work in Basecamp, Google suite collaborative products, and team file organization structure
• Adopt IonE research software, data, and metadata best practices related to archiving, documentation, and accessibility.
  

Note: the specific responsibilities will vary depending on the specific project(s) that will become part of the IonE Postdoctoral Fellows's portfolio of research work.

• Conducting research relevant to project, which may include developing research proposals, designing experiments or studies, and/or collecting data
• Data analysis, which may include using statistical methods or software, data analysis and/or data interpretation
• Documentation and reporting, which may include writing research reports, documenting research findings, methodologies, and analyses in formal reports, and/ or creating data/research visualizations.
• Dissemination of findings, which may include presenting research results, publishing research papers, and/or sharing research in other ways for a broader audience.
• Collaboration and engagement, which may include engaging with stakeholders and/or participating in research teams
• Giving and receiving feedback, which may include reviewing and updating research practices and/or gathering input from peers or mentors to improve research quality and outcomes.

• Development and execution of an individual Professional Development Plan
• Seek professional development opportunities related to the position and in support of future career development goals, including IonE service activities such as grant review
• Attend staff meetings, IonE postdoc professional development events, and participate in staff activities and programming of the Institute on the Environment, including required attendance at IonE KI Deep Engagement Weeks three times per year

• PhD in any disciplinary field, including interdisciplinary studies. Must have either expertise or expressed interest in developing expertise in a particular aspect of sustainability.
• PhD anticipated in 2025 or completed within the past 5 years (i.e. after December 31, 2019).
• Willingness to relocate to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area or a statement of preference for remote work and willingness to regularly engage in person at IonE
• Candidates must be U.S. work eligible; non-U.S. scholars must have or be able to obtain a visa.
  Preferred Qualifications
• Professional experience in incorporating aspects of diversity, equity, inclusivity, justice, and accessibility into your research or a desire to learn as part of these research projects

The University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment (IonE) is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary institution that works to advance sustainability through collaborative research, leadership and education programming, and public-interest storytelling and communications.

Pay Range: $63,500 - $71,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for one of these positions, please visit the "Apply Here" tab on the IonE Postdoctoral Fellowship website and submit your application through the Google Form provided, following the instructions.

This application requires that you attach a CV, 4 short essays (300 words or less), and provide at least 3 references. If you have additional questions, please read our FAQs.

These positions will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail ione-research@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).