A team of interdisciplinary researchers at the University of South Carolina (SC) and the University of Tennessee (TN) is looking to hire a post-doctoral research associate to work primarily on a project funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The project aims to understand what a ‘just transition’ means for local communities, labor movements, and energy vulnerable populations in SC and TN. The project’s mixed-methods approach combines empirical community-based research with legal and policy analysis. The empirical research will include focus groups and interviews in energy vulnerable communities with households, labor unions, and affected workers that will help identify pathways for reforms that better address communities’ and workers’ needs in a changing energy system.
Candidates should be self-motivated, team-oriented, and interested in applying qualitative methods to assess issues of energy vulnerability through community-engaged research. The post-doctoral associate will join a dynamic and diverse team of early- and mid-career scholars committed to our selected candidate’s continued professional growth. During their two years on the project, our post-doctoral associate will gain supervised field experience in qualitative methods, expertise in both interdisciplinary and community-based research skills, and fluency in translating social science research into community- and policy-relevant outputs. We are also committed to ensuring that our selected candidate is able to grow their academic publication record substantially, including through lead authorship opportunities.
The primary duties and tasks of this position include:
* Conduct landscape reviews on energy vulnerability and energy labor conditions in SC and TN, including collection and analysis of relevant demographic, socioeconomic, energy, and labor data in the case study communities.
* Establish and maintain relationships with community partners and stakeholders in energy vulnerable communities.
* Coordinate with community research assistants, law students, and undergraduate research assistants to conduct interviews and focus groups in the case study communities.
* Supervise undergraduate research assistants.
* Participate in the analysis and coding of focus group and interview transcripts.
* Coordinate with project personnel on the development of a Southern Energy Transition Story Map.
* Lead and contribute to the publication of research papers and outreach and communication activities related to the project.
The required qualifications are:
* A Doctoral Degree (awarded or expected by Fall 2022) from an accredited college or university in the energy social sciences (Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental Studies, etc.).
* Background and experience with qualitative research methods (especially with interviews and focus groups).
* Excellent English language writing and communication.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
In addition, our ideal candidate would have experience and/or interest in working with marginalized communities and/or communities in the American South. We are especially interested in recruiting a post-doctoral associate from groups underrepresented in the academy and energy fields more broadly.
The position lasts for 24 months, with an anticipated start date of summer/fall 2022. The starting salary is $55,000 per year plus benefits. The position will be based at University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC and requires travel in South Carolina and Tennessee. This is not a remote position.
To apply, please submit a CV, a cover letter, and the names of three references to Professor Conor Harrison at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . The deadline for applying is March 15, 2022. Applications received before this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
