HERC of the Carolinas

The Department of Coastal Studies in East Carolina University (ECU) is hiring a post-doctoral scholar with expertise in social-ecological systems and/or ecosystem-based adaptation as part of an NSF-funded DISES project investigating coral reef and mangrove management in the context of adaptation to extreme storm events in Fiji and Puerto Rico. The postdoc will primarily explore the role of organizational and social factors in ecosystem-based adaptation to storm events in mangrove-reef social-ecological systems. The postdoc will be mentored by Drs. Nadine Heck and Siddharth Narayan at ECU and will be co-advised by, and work closely with Dr. Stacy Jupiter and colleagues at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Fiji.

The main responsibilities of the postdoc will be to 1) Coordinate social science project components in Fiji and between field sites in Fiji and Puerto Rico; 2) Lead development and implementation of interviews and surveys in local communities in Fiji; 3) Work collaboratively as part of a larger inter­disciplinary team; 4) Mentor and support PhD students and field team staff; 5) Conduct social science data processing and data analysis; 6) Lead collaborative peer-reviewed articles; 7) Communicate results at conferences, workshops, and webinars. Scholars are expected to demonstrate compliance with established guidelines and regulatory standards for research including biosafety, responsible conduct of research and human subjects training.

The location of the position is flexible, and the successful candidate can be based either at ECU's Coastal campus in the Coastal Studies Institute, on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, or at ECU's Greenville Campus. The position will require travel between the two ECU campuses and to Fiji.
Approximately 100% of the postdoctoral scholar's time will be devoted to the project activities described above and related scientific research.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply through PeopleAdmin and attach, 1) their CV or resume, 2) cover letter, 3) 1 – 2 sample research papers and 4) names and contact information of 3 references. Appointments are typically for a one-year period. Five years (typically five appointments of one year) is typically the maximum total period that any individual may serve as a Scholar. The University, in its sole discretion has the option to renew or extend any appointment, subject to the availability of funds, past performance evaluations and/or any other lawful reasons. For other information on the ECU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, please visit our website at: https://rede.ecu.edu/postdoctoral/

PhD in natural resource management, environmental studies, geography, political science or similar field
Knowledge of social-ecological systems and nature-based adaptation

Research experience with quantitative and qualitative social science methods

Record of peer-reviewed publications

Demonstrated skills in working as part of an international, interdisciplinary team

Excellent communication skills and organizational skills

Willingness to travel and spend up to 25% of your time in the field

East Carolina University is a public research university in North Carolina. Existing faculty in the Department of Coastal Studies have expertise in Geography, Ecology, Coastal Engineering, Geology, Physical Oceanography, Anthropology, and Fisheries Ecology. The Coastal Studies Institute is a growing inter-institutional research and education enterprise. CSI has active collaborations with North Carolina Aquariums, the National Park Service, UNC Sea Grant College Program, and several institutions across the University of North Carolina system. These relationships provide opportunities to leverage established nearshore data resources, a real-time coastal processes numerical modeling framework, and data management and dissemination infrastructure.

East Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University and accommodates individuals with disabilities. Proper documentation of identity and employability is required at the time of employment.