Center for Environment, Community, & Equity Postdoctoral Fellowship

The School of International Service (SIS) at American University (AU) invites applications for a full-time, one-year Center for Environment, Community, & Equity (CECE) Postdoctoral Fellowship . We especially encourage applications from individuals from sectors of the population historically underrepresented on the professorial faculties of U.S. colleges and universities. The position begins on October 1, 2023, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

We welcome applicants who possess a broad and big-picture understanding of environmental challenges and the ability to engage with research and scholarship from multiple disciplines. Preference will be given to applicants with experience working on actionable research and who possess project management and grant-writing experience, strong intrapersonal skills, and knowledge around equity, community, and social justice issues.

The postdoctoral fellow should reside in the D.C. metropolitan area and be an active participant in SIS’ vibrant intellectual community. The successful candidate will work directly with Professor Dana Fisher, the Director of CECE, to expand and enhance the Center’s reputation in D.C. and globally. Areas of work will be derived from CECE focus areas: 1) Climate and Sustainability; 2) Environment, Equity, and Justice; 3) Food, Agriculture, and Land; and 4) Water, Oceans, and Fisheries. Other fellowship expectations include:

• Working with Dr. Fisher and the CECE team to coordinate collaborative research projects in development by CECE affiliated faculty across American University,
• Contributing to the day-to-day activities at the Center, including coordinating environmental events,hosting guests, writing for the new CECE Clearinghouse, and providing other administrative support (25% of the time); and
• Providing support and insight to teams that are selected to be part of the Faculty Development Incubator program, which awards start-up funds to support the development of interdisciplinary research projects around the environment from across the AU campus.

Candidates should be enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary environment that includes both social and natural scientists. Candidates should also share a commitment to the university’s Inclusive Excellence plan.

Applicants should hold a PhD or the highest equivalent degree in any discipline connected to environmental studies (social sciences, humanities, or natural sciences) by the start date. Annual salary: $65,000. Review of applications will begin in mid-August 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

American University is a private institution of higher education in the nation’s capital (Please visit www.american.edu for more information). American University’s School of International Service (SIS) is a top-ten school of international affairs with 3,000 students, 120 full-time faculty and more than 20,000 alumni worldwide. SIS faculty produce transformational research and our prime location provides opportunities for collaboration with professionals in government, the private sector, and think tanks and other non-profits. Learn more about SIS at www.american.edu/sis .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.

American University is a tobacco and smoke free campus.

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

Candidates should be enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary environment that includes both social and natural scientists. Candidates should also share a commitment to the university’s Inclusive Excellence plan .

Applicants should hold a PhD or the highest equivalent degree in any discipline connected to environmental studies (social sciences, humanities, or natural sciences) by the start date. Annual salary: $65,000. Review of applications will begin in mid-August 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Interfolio application system. Applications should include the following:

•Cover letter detailing the applicant’s proposed research

•Curriculum vitae

•Sample publications

•Brief research statement including research agenda

• Statement describing past examples of your contributions to diversity and inclusion in your scholarship, the classroom and/or in other professional settings.

• The names and email addresses of three references (the Interfolio system will contact them for a confidential letter of recommendation) and whom the committee may contact.

Queries about the search may be sent to Professor Dana Fisher ( drfisher@american.edu ). Queries about the online application system may be sent to SIS faculty affairs coordinator Alissa Iwaniuk ( aiwaniuk@american.edu ) and help@interfolio.com .