The Muthukrishnan Integrative Ecology Lab ( https://integratedecology.weebly.com/) at St. Olaf College, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Minnesota and the US. EPA, is hiring a social science focused Postdoctoral Research Associate. The position is associated with a project studying how the use of a simulation-based decision support tool influences stakeholder decision making in aquatic invasive species management. Information about the position and a link to apply can be found on the St. Olaf HR website ( https://shorturl.at/AFzEe) and further details are included below. Please note that we are currently hiring 2 separate postdoctoral positions, make sure you are applying to the correct one. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to discuss any additional details ( ranjan.muthukrish...@gmail.com).
Best, Ranjan Muthukrishnan, PhD Assistant Professor 418 Regents Hall Department of Biology St. Olaf College Northfield, MN 55057 *Postdoctoral Research Associate – Effectiveness of simulation-based modeling tools on stakeholder decision making in aquatic invasive species management* *Position Title: *Postdoctoral Research Associate * Department: *Biology * Location:* St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota (part of the broader Minneapolis metro area). *Appointment:* Full-time (100% FTE), 12 months/year *Term: *2 years (initial 1 year appointment with potential for reappointment pending satisfactory progress) *Salary:* $61,000 *Preferred Start Date:* June 1, 2025 (negotiable) *Application Deadline:* Open until filled *Classification: *Exempt * FTE: 1.0 * *Position Overview* The Muthukrishnan Lab at St. Olaf College (integratedecology.weebly.com) in collaboration with researchers at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota seeks a highly motivated *Postdoctoral Research Associate* to support an interdisciplinary project focused on developing and evaluating a *simulation-based decision support tool (DST)* for *aquatic invasive plant management*. This project integrates ecological modeling, decision science, and community engagement to improve decision-making processes for managing invasive species in Minnesota’s lakes. The postdoctoral associate will primarily focus on the *social science* components of the project, designing and leading participatory modeling workshops, developing assessment tools to evaluate how decision support tools influence stakeholder decision-making, and training undergraduate students in social science data collection and analysis methods. The position will be primarily located at St. Olaf College, with the option of some portion of time spent at MAISRC at the University of Minnesota. Some travel within the state of Minnesota to lead workshops and meet with stakeholder groups is also expected. St. Olaf College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution in Northfield, Minnesota (just outside of, and in commuting distance from, Minneapolis) with a strong commitment to research, scholarship, and mentorship. The college provides an intellectually rich environment where postdoctoral researchers can advance their scientific expertise while gaining valuable experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and undergraduate mentorship. St. Olaf offers modern research facilities, opportunities for independent and collaborative research, and a supportive academic community that values both scientific innovation and professional development. *Key Responsibilities* ● *Engagement & Workshop Facilitation* o Design, organize, and facilitate *participatory modeling workshops* across Minnesota with diverse groups, including government agencies, local organizations, and lake associations. o Develop training materials and facilitation guides for workshops. o Assist in recruiting and coordinating workshop participants. ● *Social Science Research & Evaluation* o Design and implement *pre- and post-workshop surveys* to assess people’s decision-making processes, perceptions, and engagement with the decision support tool. o Conduct *qualitative data collection* (participant observation, structured interviews, focus groups) to understand interactions with the decision support tool. o Analyze survey data using statistical methods and qualitative text analysis. o Prepare reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations based on research findings. ● *Collaboration & Project Management* o Work closely with project PIs, MAISRC staff, and other team members to integrate *social science insights* into decision support tool development. o Manage workshop logistics, data collection, and undergraduate research assistants. *Qualifications* *Required:* ● Ph.D. in environmental social science, natural resource management, decision science, geography, human dimensions of natural resources, sociology, anthropology, political science, environmental studies, environmental policy, or a related field. ● Experience conducting *social science research* related to environmental decision-making. ● Strong background in *social* *survey design, statistical analysis, and qualitative research methods including text analysis*. o Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, Stata) and qualitative coding software (e.g., MAXQDA, NVivo) ● Experience working with communities, government officials, NGOs, and/or other parties in natural resource management or environmental governance. ● Excellent *written and verbal communication skills*. ● Ability to work *independently* and *collaboratively* in an interdisciplinary team. ● Dedication to creating an inclusive environment *Preferred:* ● Experience with *participatory modeling, decision support tools, or engagement*. ● Familiarity with *adaptive management, invasive species management, or social-ecological systems*. ● Experience managing workshops or facilitation training. *Benefits & Professional Development* ● Opportunity to *lead engagement efforts* for a high-impact project addressing real-world invasive species management challenges. ● Work with an *interdisciplinary team* of ecologists, modelers, and social scientists. ● Access to University of Minnesota resources, training, and mentorship, including the option to become a MAISRC Research Fellow. ● Support for conference travel and publication costs ● Access to St. Olaf health insurance and retirement benefits *Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity:* Our research group is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and physical abilities. We value diverse perspectives and believe that a broad range of experiences strengthens our scientific community. If you have any questions about accommodations or working in our group, we encourage you to reach out. *How to Apply* Interested applicants should submit: 1. *Cover letter* detailing their research interests, qualifications, and experience relevant to the position. 2. *Curriculum vitae (CV)* 3. *Contact information for three references* 4. *Two writing samples* (e.g., published papers, reports, or dissertation chapters) Applications must be submitted online, see https://shorturl.at/AFzEe for further details and to apply. *Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.* Applicants will be reviewed by the project PIs and selected candidates will be interviewed over Zoom. If you have any questions, including about your fit for the position, please feel free to email *Dr. Ranjan Muthukrishnan* at ranjan.muthukrish...@gmail.com to discuss. 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