Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Urban Social-Ecological Systems

Arizona State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Urban Social-Ecological Systems to conduct interdisciplinary research with the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research project. The role involves analyzing social science datasets and developing research on urban ecology topics. This full-time, benefits-eligible position is based in Tempe, AZ, with a start date anticipated in August 2025 and an initial one-year appointment.
The Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) has been funded by the National Science Foundation's Long-term Ecological Research Program (LTER) for more than 25 years to study the urban ecology of metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct interdisciplinary environmental research with CAP scholars using the core social science dataset known as the Phoenix Area Social Survey (PASS), in addition to other ecological datasets. More specifically, the postdoc will assist in the design/implementation and data processing/analysis of PASS that will be implemented in the summer of 2026. The ideal candidate will develop their research ideas in collaboration with co-PI and Lead Social Scientist, Dr. Kelli L. Larson, and other CAP scientists on topics such as landscape sustainability, urban greening, park/environmental equity, biological conservation, and/or human-wildlife interactions (with data related to land management decisions, perceptions of risks/benefits, environmental attitudes, recreational activities, and human wellbeing).

This is a benefits-eligible, full-time, 12-month position, with no tenure implications. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the opportunity for renewal contingent on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The anticipated start date is August 2025. The postdoctoral scholar will be based at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

Essential Duties

During Year 1, the postdoc will have the opportunity to pursue their research interests while analyzing data from previous versions of PASS and helping to design and implement the 2026 summer survey. During year 2, the postdoc will continue to develop their CAP-linked research by processing, analyzing, and publishing the 2026 PASS data.

Responsibilities of the postdoctoral scholar will include:
• Establishing a two-year research agenda linked to CAP and the PASS datasets;
• Assisting with the design and implementation of the 2026 PASS;
• Leading the data processing and release of the 2026 PASS dataset, coupled with updating;
• Conducting spatial analyses of the geolocated 2026 PASS dataset to enrich the survey data with geolocated environmental variables; and Integration of the 2026 dataset with the 2021 and 2017 datasets for time-series analyses.

Qualifications

Required:
• Applicants must have a recent Ph.D. (within the past four years) in a field within the broad realm of environmental social sciences and/or urban social-ecological systems by the time of appointment.

Desired:
• Background in quantitative and spatial data processing and analyses with knowledge of relevant software (e.g., R, ArcGIS, SPSS).
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills (in English).
• Demonstrated record of scientific publication in a relevant field.
• Experience with social survey and geospatial data as well as mixed types of data (e.g., ecological or environmental and social).
• Strong interest in geospatial and long-term datasets.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Application Instructions

Only electronic submissions will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To apply for this position, submit the following required application materials:
• A detailed cover letter that includes a description of applicant’s research interests and relevant experience and vision related to the position.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references (include name, title, affiliation, email address, phone number).

Review of applications will begin March 14, 2025. If not filled, applications will be evaluated weekly thereafter until the search is closed.

Department Statement

The Central Arizona–Phoenix Long-term Ecological Research project was launched in 1997 as one of two urban sites in the NSF-funded LTER Network. Since then, CAP has been instrumental in establishing urban ecology as a recognized and important area of ecological inquiry. Now in the fifth phase of its research program, CAP V will connect social-ecological factors to human and non-human actions, distributions, and heterogeneity, focusing on long-term data sources on plants, soils, water, and wildlife, as well as human perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. Specifically, the central research questions of CAP V are: How are human-environment interactions mediated by urban ecological infrastructure to shape the social-ecological urban ecosystem — past, present and future? How can we use knowledge of these relationships to inform more just, transformative, and sustainable futures? The overarching goal of our research program is to foster broad social-ecological research aimed at understanding these complex systems using a holistic, ecology of cities perspective while contributing to an ecology for cities that enhances urban sustainability. CAP LTER values an inclusive and friendly work environment to advance knowledge, practice, and the ASU charter.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and 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, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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