POSITION TITLE: postdoc associate

Hiring Organization/Employer:  Penn State University
Application Deadline:  5/30/26
Education Required:  PhD
Location:  Hybrid

Description:  

 The postdoctoral associate will focus on analyzing the socio-ecological impacts of ecosystem restoration in
mosaic forest-grassland ecosystems and design appropriate monitoring frameworks, in collaboration with
scientists located at several institutions in the US, Africa, and beyond whose goals include understanding
tradeoffs in social and ecological outcomes.
The work will involve analyzing empirical primary social and ecological data on ecosystem restoration
processes and outcomes collected in Malawi and South Africa from (i) household and community surveys,
(ii) semi-structured qualitative interviews, (iii) ecological surveys from forests and farms, (iv) remote sensing
of land cover change, and (v) other secondary data. The specific expertise, skills, and interest of the
candidate will further determine this process. Deliverables expected from this position include the
generation of both integrative scientific research publications and practical policy insights. The incumbent
will also coordinate with other members of the research team and engage in outreach.
The postdoctoral associate will receive training in scientific publication, grant-writing and outreach, relevant
research techniques and skills, and have opportunities to build connections with broader networks of
scholars studying restoration social science in general, and particularly the network of ecosystem
restoration scientists collaborating on this project.

 

Compensation & Benefits:  

 Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees
designed to support both personal and professional well-being

 

Responsibilities:  

 Analyzing data on ecosystem restoration and synthesizing secondary data and information
to produce research products including scientific publications and policy briefs.
Support overall planning and logistics of the team to develop and gain leadership skills. This
includes assisting with meeting coordination, meeting minutes, and supporting the
development of the annual technical report.
Support engagement efforts with a broader research community funded by this grant,
organizing and assisting with science-policy outreach efforts (including peer training),
presenting research and & presentations across Africa and the US related to this research.
As scholars in advanced training status, Post-Doctoral Associates devote five percent of
their effort to pursue professional and career development opportunities (e.g., seminars,
workshops) outside the scope of their assigned research responsibilities. The nature and
content of professional and career development opportunities is at the discretion of the Post
Doctoral Associate who can seek advice from the direct mentor and other project team
members.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

Ph.D. degree with expertise in at least two of the following areas: human-environment
geography, landscape ecology, land system science, remote sensing/GIS science, data
science, or related field.
Demonstrated interdisciplinary background, with experience in the integration of social and
ecological theories, methods, and data, with interest in advancing these skills for data
integration.
Demonstrated ability to engage with both quantitative and qualitative analysis of data (e.g.,
household surveys, spatial data, interviews, and ecological data), including statistical
methods to account for trade-offs and co-benefits.
Publication record that demonstrates the ability to publish integrative social-ecological
research.
Substantive experience studying landscapes with mixed land uses and ecosystems.
Substantive experience with policy related to rural smallholder livelihoods.
Demonstrated understanding of ecosystem restoration and its policy dynamics linking
biodiversity, climate, and human well-being goals.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex team-based projects, including working
successfully with a varied mix of internal and external partners from diverse communities

 

How to Apply:  

 Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and
follow the instructions to submit an online application for the position. Applications must include the
following materials compiled into a single PDF document:
Academic CV
Two representative publications
Names and contact information for three professional references.
Cover letter that describes the applicant’s interest in the position and specifies how the
applicant meets the required and preferred qualifications (1-2 pages) 

Contact:  

 Ida Djenontin (ind5050@psu.edu)