Post Doctoral Fellow- Avalanche Science Communication

The International Arctic Research Center (IARC) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow in Avalanche Science Communication to work on an NSF-funded research project focused on communicating about future snow avalanche models to Alaska decision makers. Research activities will be related to one or more of the following areas: 1) segment decision makers to improve communication, 2) communication of snow avalanche and climate model information, 3) communicating associated uncertainty, or 4) investigating relationships between inputs and actionable science outcomes (i.e., increasing the value and use of evidence for decision making to improve practice, programs and policy).

The postdoctoral fellow will participate fully in research and related scholarly activities including leading research initiatives, partnership development and maintenance with a variety of snow avalanche decision makers (i.e., government, transportation, utilities, recreation, etc.), research project design and development, grant writing, knowledge mobilization (e.g., publications, presentations), science communication, and project management. 

The postdoctoral fellow will be offered a supportive environment under the supervision of Dr. Kristin Timm (PI, IARC) in close collaboration with Dr. Gabriel Wolken (Co-PI, IARC & State of Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Survey), that emphasizes developing research skills, working with expert science communicators, and gaining experience with engaged research methodologies and societal engagement.

To thrive in this role, applicants must have a PhD and academic training in the social sciences. We seek candidates with a strong interest or experience working in transdisciplinary teams and using engaged research methods. The successful applicant is enthusiastic about making meaningful contributions through their research and working in a highly collaborative environment. We seek applicants that can demonstrate creativity, initiative, and strong oral and written communication skills. 

The postdoctoral fellowship is based at the International Arctic Research Center (IARC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. IARC’s mission is understanding the Arctic to make a difference. IARC is a highly productive, interdisciplinary research center home to over 100 natural, physical, social scientists, and humanities experts, several engaged research programs, and leaders in Alaska climate research, science engagement, and climate modeling. With interdisciplinary training, diverse perspectives, work life balance, and career development being top priorities at IARC, the postdoctoral fellow will have access to opportunities to build their skills and networks to pursue future careers in research, government, and beyond.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:
PhD in a social science discipline (i.e., communication, sociology, human geography, psychology, political science, science and technology studies, public policy and planning, or other related discipline, etc.). Demonstrated training and experience in social science research methods (e.g., interview, survey, comparative case studies, participant action, community-based research). Strong quantitative and qualitative research and analytical skills.

Preferred:
Experience conducting research in the context of snow or cryosphere sciences, climate change impacts and/or climate change adaptation is preferred. Able to work in a team environment with extensive collaboration and interaction with collaborators and community partners.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Fairbanks campus in Fairbanks, Alaska, or remote anywhere within Alaska, and flexible on-site/hybrid work arrangements may be considered in accordance with UA regulations. This is a full-time, term-funded, exempt faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC). http://www.unitedacademics.net/

Special Instructions to applicants:

-Cover letter (1-2 pages) including a description of one or two project ideas you are interested in developing 

-Curriculum Vitae (CV)

-Sample research publication(s) 

-Three reference names (3) with emails and phone numbers

-One to three other examples of public-facing communications or products of collaborative work (optional)

Applications will be accepted for initial review on January 13, 2025. To ensure full consideration, please apply by 11:55pm, Alaska Standard Time on the DAY BEFORE THE REVIEW DATE of January 12, 2025. The position will remain open until it is successfully filled. 

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kristin Timm, Research Assistant Professor, at kmtimm@alaska.edu or 907-474-6836.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.