Postdoctoral Research Associate (Social Scientist)
Washington State University
Washington State University (WSU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Social Scientist) to work on a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). The project focuses on plastic mulch end-of-life management decisions among strawberry growers in California in order to better understand the factors that help or hinder growers' adoption of more sustainable practices (e.g., polyethylene mulch recycling) and technologies (e.g., biodegradable plastic mulches) that can help address the growing problem of agricultural plastic pollution. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work as part of the Human Dimensions Working Group headed by Dr. Jessica Goldberger (Rural Sociologist) in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.
Responsibilities: Conduct qualitative research with diverse stakeholders, analyze quantitative (survey) and qualitative data, prepare manuscripts, prepare and deliver oral presentations, and other duties as needed.
Required qualifications: PhD in rural sociology, sociology, anthropology, geography, or closely related field; experience with qualitative research methods; experience with survey data analysis; willingness to travel; ability to work independently; interest in agriculture, diffusion of innovations, the environment, and/or sustainability; excellent organizational and project management skills; and excellent written and oral communication skills.
Start date: January 13, 2025 (negotiable).
To apply: Please submit a cover letter, current CV, copies of academic transcripts, writing sample, and names and contact information for three professional references (https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/details/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate--Social-Scientist-_R-12413).
Application deadline: November 3, 2024
See attached Notice of Vacancy for further details.