Postdoctoral Scholar Employee - Critical Minerals - Social Science Matrix

The Climate Futures Lab based in the Energy & Resources Group and the Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management at UC Berkeley seeks a postdoctoral research fellow to work on a project about energy transitions and water justice, with a focus on the socio-ecological dimensions of critical mineral development in the Great Basin region of the United States (E. California, Nevada and Western Utah). The Great Basin is emblematic of the tension between urgent efforts to transition to low-carbon energy colliding with community concerns regarding the potential impacts of this transition on water resources and rural livelihoods, ecosystems, and Indigenous rights.

This project examines the implications of critical mineral mining for water equity in the arid Great Basin. In particular, it will shed light on three emerging dynamics that remain understudied: 1) growing investment in Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies, 2) interlocking federal and state-level policy transitions, and 3) varied responses from affected communities. The project involves a regional geospatial analysis, seven place-based case studies, and collaborations with

community and Tribal partners. Engaging communities directly through workshops and tribal forums, the project will strengthen networks and foster diverse participation in the pursuit of equitable and just critical mineral supply chains. By disseminating results broadly through online interactive tools,

policy-briefs, and op-eds, it will distill key insights that will enhance public understanding and support policy improvements associated with the water equity implications of critical mineral mining.

The position is funded by a grant from the Sloan Foundation and will be overseen by Dr. Meg Mills-Novoa (PI) at UCB and Dr. Sophia Borgias (Co-PI) at Boise State University.

Responsibilities

* Conduct extensive fieldwork in the Great Basin, traveling to case study sites in Esmeralda, Nye, and Eureka counties in Nevada to visit project sites, conduct interviews, and attend meetings and events

* Work closely with PI and Co-PI, as well as graduate research assistants

* Mentor and oversee graduate and undergraduate research assistants

* Facilitate community engagement through meetings with advisory committee, workshops in case study sites, and support for partners in organizing Tribal Forums

* Utilize NVivo Qualitative Analysis Software to analyze interview data and regulatory documents and synthesize key findings

* Build interactive regional map and case study StoryMap narratives about critical mineral mining, water, and community responses using ESRI tools

* Lead and/or assist with writing peer-reviewed journal articles, policy-briefs, and outreach materials

* Present research findings at local meetings & national conferences

Logistics

Fellows will have access to desk space and meeting rooms in Giannini Hall on the University of California, Berkeley's campus. Applicants should be aware that a minimum of two months of fieldwork in the Great Basin will be necessary each year. In addition to salary, the grant covers travel expenses for fieldwork and attending conferences.

Labor Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/px/contract.html

* PhD or equivalent international degree or enrolled in an PhD or equivalent international degree program.

* PhD or equivalent international degree by start date

* No more than 3 years post-PhD research experience

* Training in Geography, Environmental Studies, Political Ecology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Sociology/Anthropology or other environmental social science

* Expertise in water, environment, energy, and/or climate

* Strong qualitative research skills, with experience conducting interviews, participant observation, thematic analysis, and participatory workshops

* Demonstrated experience working with GIS, ESRI ArcOnline, and Story Maps

* Demonstrated experience with community-engaged research and/or collaborations with Tribal partners

* Demonstrated experience in managing projects independently, meeting project timelines, managing stakeholder relationships, and seeking out other expertise where necessary

* Ability to communicate complex concepts to audiences in other fields and/or non-technical audiences

*Proficiency in qualitative research methods

* Proficiency in GIS

* Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

Ability to work both independently and in a team environment

* Has authored at least one peer-reviewed manuscript

• 3-6 required (contact information only)

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.