Postdoctoral Fellow

The School of Natural Resources and the Environment at West Virginia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow.

The Postdoctoral Fellow serves as a resource contact relative to the various research projects dealing with the development of land reclamation education, human dimensions of land and water use, and perceptions of water quality at the state, national and international levels. Project sponsors may include the USDA Forest Service (USFS), US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), US Geological Survey (USGS), US National Park Service (NPS) and the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist faculty member with course instruction, development and grading.
• Plan and conduct surveys with various populations segments- for example: recreational studies in the Great Lakes, focusing on visitors and dive operators.
• Create and maintain existing project databases for data analysis.
• Attend bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly meetings as needed with project partners.
• Attend research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current research findings.
• Identify and assist with acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources.
• Assist with development of novel research proposals for sponsor submission.
• Write proposals, papers, and abstracts to attract research funds.
• Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals.
• Perform laboratory and field experiment activities according to protocol.
• Independent experimental data analysis.
• Maintain detailed logs of work related activities, including accurate laboratory records and data on research methods, procedures, and results.
• Oversee research facilities and personnel
• Assure compliance with research protocols and safety requirements.
• Oversee and direct undergraduate and graduate researchers in completion of experiments.
• Maintain lab equipment; keep accurate inventory of lab assets; monitor and assure proper use and conditions of lab equipment.
• Write and present research/study status reports for review and use of the Principal Investigator.
• Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation to colleagues and the sponsor; at professional/technical conferences; and/or, for publication in scientific journals, as directed.

Qualifications

Professional Qualifications

• PhD in Natural Resources Management or related field is required.
• Experience in conducting social science surveying and data analysis is desired.
• Proficiency in performing multivariate analyses of complex statistical data.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts in high-impact journals within established timelines.
• Experience teaching students in a higher education setting, with a focus on sustainable environmental services.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply scientific methods to address complex research questions.

The successful candidate may be permitted to begin employment prior to degree confirmation with a letter certifying the trainee has completed all degree requirements from their university.

Application

To apply, please visit the WVU Careers website at https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities. Upload the following: (1) a letter of interest, (2) a current curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and complete contact information (mailing address, telephone number, and email address) for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. General inquiries may be directed to Dr. Robert Burns at Robert.Burns@mail.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.