Fieldwork Post Doctoral Research Associate 100% - CBIKS

Apply now Job no: 524687
Work type: Post Doc (Amherst Only)
Campus: UMass Amherst
Department: CBIKS
Categories: Faculty

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

 

Job Description

This postdoctoral position is with the Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (CBIKS), a National Science Foundation Science & Technology Center.  CBIKS is an interdisciplinary center that utilizes community-based research to examine how to effectively and ethically braid Indigenous and Western science research, education, and practice related to the urgent and interconnected areas of climate change, care of cultural places, and food sovereignty.   

CBIKS activities include carrying out place-based research in regional Hubs across the globe while also documenting and promoting ethical community-based practices of braiding Indigenous and Western science.  The person who holds this position will assist the CBIKS Fieldwork and Braiding Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) thematic working group (TWG).   

This is an on-site position at CBIKS Central on the UMass Amherst campus in Amherst, MA with the possibility of some remote work.  This is a one-year position with a possibility of renewal for a second year.

 

Essential Functions 

  • Supports the CBIKS Fieldwork and Braiding TEK thematic working group in identifying specific examples of braiding Indigenous and Western science across all CBIKS regional Hubs. Examples may take place in fieldwork and lab protocols, methods, and practices; creation and storage of samples; sharing and care of existing TEK; and approaches to developing and documenting new TEK as climates and ecologies change.  

  • Gathers and analyzes data related to Fieldwork and Braiding TEK TWG research and contributes to drafting publications. 

  • Documents progress and success of the TWG’s work for reports.  

  • Participates in the CBIKS Science Review Circle, which reviews and supports CBIKS-sponsored research.  

  • Collaborates with CBIKS TWGs to develop online education and training modules related to fieldwork and braiding TEK. 

  • Conducts a literature review of publications focused on braiding methodologies, particularly those related to fieldwork and TEK.  

  • Organizes meetings of the Fieldwork and Braiding TEK TWG, including developing meeting agendas, establishing meeting dates/times, setting reminders, taking/sharing notes.  

  • Works collaboratively with CBIKS’ staff and science teams to ensure productive teamwork and a culture of relationality, respect, and inclusivity. 

  • Other duties as assigned. 

 

Minimum Qualifications 

  • PhD with a social science focus (possible fields include Anthropology, Native American and Indigenous Studies, Sociology, or related field) required by the time of hire.  

  • Have been academically active for no longer than 4 years post-PhD. 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience in utilizing fieldwork methods that braid Indigenous and Western science methods.  

  • Understanding of Indigenous communities. 

  • Experience in community-based research.  

 

Additional Information

Anticipated start date of 9/1/24, but may be negotiated.

 

Application Instructions

Please submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references along with the application. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled.

 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

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The University of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or other protected class.