Postdoctoral Research Associate 100% - CBIKS

UMass Amherst
remote work
United States, Massachusetts, Amherst
May 16, 2025
About UMass Amherst The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. Job Description This position is with the Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (CBIKS), a National Science Foundation Science & Technology Center. CBIKS is an interdisciplinary center that examines how to effectively and ethically braid Western and Indigenous science research, education, and practice related to the urgent and interconnected challenges of climate change, protections of cultural places, and food sovereignty. CBIKS activities include studying and promoting wise practices in community-based research with Indigenous communities, from relationship development and the research development process through storywork and knowledge mobilization. CBIKS activities include promoting the respectful braiding of Indigenous science with Western science, and supporting community-based research agendas and collaborative research design. This position assists CBIKS thematic research groups in conducting "science of science" research within the CBIKS network. The eight research theme areas at CBIKS are: ethics, data sovereignty, relationality & research development, fieldwork & braiding knowledges, formal & informal science education, storywork & knowledge mobilization, training scientists, and policy & government agencies. This is an on-site position at CBIKS Central on the UMass Amherst campus in Amherst, MA with the possibility of some remote work. This is a one-year position with a possibility of renewal for a second year. Postdocs are expected to engage in at least two of the eight research themes. Applicants should note areas of interest and experience in their cover letter. Essential Functions Support thematic research working groups in prioritized research projects such as case studies, guidance documents, literature reviews, online learning modules, syntheses, policy recommendations, needs assessments. Gather and analyze data relevant to prioritized research projects, and draft publications. Support the CBIKS thematic research working groups in creating and documenting examples of wise ethical research engagement with Indigenous communities. Manage curriculum and facilitation of expert contributors for online training modules. Participate in the CBIKS Science Review Circle which reviews and supports CBIKS-sponsored research. Conduct literature reviews of publications and resources relevant to prioritized research topics. Document the research progress of working groups for research reporting. Participate in grant writing and securing funding for research projects. Work collaboratively with the CBIKS staff and science teams to ensure productive teamwork and inclusivity. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications PhD in social or natural sciences or related field required by the time of hire. Have been academically active for no longer than 4 years post-PhD. Ability to work independently, outstanding organizational skills with acute attention to detail. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships. Ability to work well with a diversity of faculty, staff, and students from a variety of disciplines within and outside the University. Excellent computer skills, including Excel and Word, and the ability to learn new technology and systems. Preferred Qualifications Understanding of and experience working with Indigenous communities. Experience working with different world views and ways of knowing. Experience in qualitative research methods. Experience in community-based participatory research. Application Instructions Please submit a CV, cover letter (noting which of the eight listed research themes would be of interest), and contact information for 3 professional references along with the application. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled. Anticipated start date: September 1, 2025. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.