Postdoctoral researcher – University of Oklahoma

NSF GOLDEN Rewards Postdoc

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work with a diverse team of geoscientists, geoengineers, and social scientists on a 2-year project aimed at identifying, empowering, and rewarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) champions within the geosciences by aligning hiring, promotion, award, and other evaluation systems with institutional and community goals to promote diversity and inclusion within the Geosciences. The postdoc will work with the proposal team to survey geoscience programs nationally and interview faculty in focus departments to establish how faculty are currently evaluated in geoscience departments, then determine how DEI efforts fit within evaluation, tenure, promotion, and award frameworks.  

 Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist the project team in collecting demographic data from geoscience departments
  • Work with the proposal team to develop and implement a national survey of geoscience faculty
  • Interview faculty in focus geoscience departments to establish how faculty are currently evaluated
  • Work collaboratively with a social science PhD student to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data to assess faculty attitudes on the value of DEI work and identify barriers to engaging in and rewarding DEI efforts.
  • Collaborate with the proposal team and expert DEI consultants to develop example evaluation and reward structures that explicitly value DEI work, and can be adopted/adapted by other geoscience departments.
  • Prepare reports, lead publications, and present the work at national conferences.

This is a two-year postdoc, funded 75% by an NSF grant, with additional funding provided by endowed funds. We expect the postdoc to spend 0.75 FTE working on this project, with the remaining 0.25 FTE available to pursue other research interests.  Compensation consists of $50,000 salary/year and health insurance coverage, as well as paid time off and other benefits, including access to National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity professional development programs.We are open to flexible work arrangements, including a possible remote postdoc. For more information and application instructions, please visit our website:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Earned PhD by January 2021
  • Demonstrated knowledge about the challenges and assets specific to faculty and students with diverse identities, backgrounds, and/or cultures in STEM.
  • Strong writing, organization, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work under minimal supervision and as part of a team

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • PhD in Geosciences or a related field, e.g. geology, geophysics, environmental science, planetary science, atmospheric science, oceanography, geography, soil science.
  • Demonstrated commitment to addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in STEM
  • Experience with, or ability to quickly learn, Qualtrics or other survey platforms
  • Experience analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Experience writing peer reviewed publications within an interdisciplinary team

The University of Oklahoma, located 20 miles south of Oklahoma City in Norman, is the Carnegie- ranked Very High Research Activity [R1] flagship university in the state. Oklahoma is home to 39 tribal nations, each of which has a distinctive culture, history, and government.  We acknowledge that the history of the university and the state represents settler colonialism and remains in tension with what we now understand about the lands that were proclaimed “unassigned” and opened for white settlement in 1889. In line with our commitments to diversity, inclusion, access and equity we strongly encourage applications from candidates who are members of underrepresented or marginalized communities.

TO APPLY:

Please email 1) a letter of interest describing your knowledge of and commitment to addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in the Geosciences, your additional research interests, and qualifications for the position; 2) your current CV; and 3) contact information for three potential references. Questions and application materials should be directed to project PI Dr. Megan Elwood Madden (melwood@ou.edu). The first review date is October 2, 2019.

The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person’s unique contributions, background and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.  The University of Oklahoma in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, sex, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.