Postdoctoral Research Associate (Conservation Social Science/Anthropology) The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Global Lands Program (http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/urgentissues/land-conservation/index.htm) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with an interdisciplinary team to synthesize and analyze the evidence of the effectiveness of socially-oriented conservation strategies implemented in partnership with indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC). This project will focus on two IPLC strategies as pathways to social and ecological impact: 1) culturally aligned, environmentally sustainable economic development, and 2) leadership development and capacity building.
Position Description: The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work closely with TNC scientists and field staff in collaboration with external partners to conduct systematic literature review on causal links between economic development and/or leadership development and social and ecological impacts. The research will involve aggregating programmatic information to develop generalizable causal models as informed by existing TNC programs; assessing the evidence behind causal links; analyzing the conditions and interventions that enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes for people and nature; elucidating knowledge gaps; and identifying opportunities to add to the evidence base through monitoring and evaluation. The results will inform a methodology and/or decision-support tool to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of TNC conservation initiatives involving indigenous and communal lands and focused on economic development and/or leadership development. Within this scope, opportunities exist to develop and explore novel research questions of interest. This position offers a unique opportunity to publish in high impact journals and disseminate research to key decision-makers inside and outside the organization, while doing applied research that speaks to both theory and practice. Responsibilities will include: * Aggregate programmatic information to develop generalizable causal models that are rooted in evidence and informed by existing TNC projects. * Create database on the evidence behind causal links that builds upon existing academic and gray literature, systematic reviews, and meta-studies. * Conduct a systematic synthesis of the empirical evidence that may include meta-analysis. * Conduct quality assessment and sensitivity analyses to assess susceptibility of biases. * Participates in workshop(s) with TNC staff in relevant field programs and external partners to refine and review the scientific evidence in conjunction with causal models developed by conservation practitioners. * Collaborate with multi-disciplinary scientists within TNC and across partner institutions. * Disseminate research by publishing in peer-reviewed journals, producing reports, presenting at national conferences, and communicating findings within conservation and IPLC communities. This position will be supervised by Dr. Christina Kennedy (https://www.nature.org/science-in-action/our-scientists/nature-conservancy-experts-conservation-lands-christina-kennedy.xml) and will interact closely with other TNC scientists and practitioners supporting TNC's indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC) strategy (https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/urgentissues/land-conservation/indigenouspeoples/index.htm). Required Qualifications: * A Ph.D. in Anthropology, Social Science, Environmental Science, Applied Economics, Development Economics, or related/cross-disciplinary fields and at least 1-year related work experience. * Proficient in systematic syntheses that may include meta-analytic approaches, data mining (e.g., random forests) using statistical analysis software (e.g., R, WinBUGS, STATA), and design of socio-ecological monitoring and impact evaluations. * Familiarity with culturally aligned and environmentally sustainable economic development models. * Familiarity with literature on environmental and resource economics, development economics, socio-ecological systems, common-pool resources, sustainable development, community-based natural resource management, and conservation biology. * Excellent written and oral communication skills with a proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals and the ability to write technical reports. Desired Qualifications: * Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and R, or Python. * Demonstrated experience with spatial analysis. * Willingness to learn new statistical models and software as needed for research. * Ability to work effectively with an interdisciplinary team to meet deadlines. Highly motivated and capable of working independently to complete projects. * Strong organizational and communication skills (both oral and written). * Willingness to travel internationally and in remote locales. * Experience in international conservation and international science efforts. Benefits: He/she will be a full-time employee of The Nature Conservancy with competitive salary and benefits. Position will be supported for 2 years subject to adequate performance review. Funding is available for travel costs to attend project-related team meetings and professional conferences. Location: Preferred location for this position is Fort Collins, CO. Start Date: Preferred start date is on or before June 30, 2018. Application: Apply through The Nature Conservancy Careers at: https://careers.nature.org/psp/tnccareers/APPLICANT/APPL/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&SiteId=1&FOCUS=Applicant&JobOpeningId=46371&PostingSeq=1 Apply to Job ID # 46371, submit letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. All applications must be submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 30, 2018. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global, non-profit organization (501c(3) under US Law) that is dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. We seek to achieve our mission through science-based planning and implementation of conservation strategies that provide for the needs of people and nature.
