Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Maine System • Orono, ME

30d • $54,000

About The Position

The NSF Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledge and Science (NSF CBIKS) is
dedicated to developing methodologies that integrate Indigenous knowledge (IK)
systems with Western scientific research, focusing on environmental variability,
food systems, and cultural places. Knowledge transfer and exchange are key
components of the NSF CBIKS mission to disseminate intellectual products
broadly.

This Postdoctoral position is foundational to the NSF CBIKS knowledge
transfer/exchange (KT/E) objectives, supporting efforts focused on strategic
planning, relationship building, training, and needs assessment. The primary
goal for this position to support and help facilitate knowledge exchange
activities by developing and customizing trainings for Federal U.S. Government
Agencies and Tribal entities. This position will emphasize ethical engagement
practices, cross-knowledge communication, and the identification of gaps and
opportunities that will inform future NSF CBIKS programming related to braided
IK and Western science methodologies. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money
funded position is up to $54,000 commensurate with qualifications and
experience.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies, Historic Preservation, Science Communication or a related field focusing on Indigenous Knowledge systems) completed within the last five years.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design, training module creation, and/or developing programmatic educational resources.
• Strong knowledge of, or experience with, Indigenous Knowledge systems, climate change, food systems, or cultural places.
• Demonstrated experience working with, or understanding of, U.S. Federal Agencies and government structures/policymaking processes as they relate to Tribal relationships/consultation/engagement.
• Excellent communication, organizational, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills necessary for professional relationship building with diverse partners (Federal/State agencies, Tribal governments, academic partners, community members).

Nice To Haves

• Experience specifically conducting or managing needs assessments or large-scale survey research related to policy, science, or community engagement.
• Familiarity with ethical research protocols concerning Indigenous communities, including concepts of Tribal sovereignty and data sovereignty.
• Experience using innovative knowledge transfer/exchange methods, such as workshop development and facilitation, storywork, comics, theater, art, or language.
• Familiarity with the mission and objectives of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Responsibilities

• support and help facilitate knowledge exchange activities by developing and customizing trainings for Federal U.S. Government Agencies and Tribal entities
• emphasize ethical engagement practices
• cross-knowledge communication
• identification of gaps and opportunities that will inform future NSF CBIKS programming related to braided IK and Western science methodologies

Benefits

• tuition benefits (employee and dependent)
• comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability
• retirement plan options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree