Gund Institute: Postdoctoral Fellow

overview:

We seek a creative, motivated postdoctoral fellow for a project that investigates interactions between pro-environmental behavior, identity, and values – with an approach that flips the standard research paradigm by ‘starting with behavior’. The study will explore, via a set of three experiments, whether taking action leads to changes in values and identity and begins a positive feedback loop. Specifically, we will measure whether participants who engage in easily identifiable pro-environmental behaviors exhibit subsequent changes in environmental identity, values, and engagement in other pro-environmental behaviors (i.e., behavioral “spillover”).

The interdisciplinary project is led by Rachelle Gould and Trisha Shrum (University of Vermont), in collaboration with Thomas Dietz (Michigan State University, emeritus) and Cecily Maller (RMIT University Australia). You can learn more about it here.

To support this effort, we expect that the postdoctoral applicant should have prior demonstrated experience in at least one of the following (experience with two or three is a bonus):

• Social science experimental methods
• Statistical analysis and management of empirical datasets
• Prior research experience with pro-environmental behavior and/or action

Though not required, the following characteristics are also desirable:

• Experience with interdisciplinary environmental research, including the epistemological challenges inherent in such work
• Demonstrated ability to consider political diversity and its relationship to environmental action
• Training in one or more of the following disciplines: psychology, sociology, economics, political science, and evolutionary biology.

The position is for one year with funding for an additional year pending satisfactory progress. We offer an annual salary of at least $56,484 plus excellent benefits. Salary is based on experience: view salary guidelines and a list of benefits online. Postdocs will also have opportunities for professional development (e.g., media and communications training). The successful candidate will also join an active community of Gund Postdoctoral Researchers. This is an in-person position, based at the UVM campus in Burlington, VT. Expected start date is September 1, 2024.

eligibility:

Candidates must have completed their PhD in a relevant discipline by the expected start date, and no earlier than 5 years before it. Competitive candidates will have relevant experience (see “prior demonstrated experience” and desirable characteristics above), a strong record of success in their PhD program, a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary work, and a nuanced appreciation of (and curiosity about) the complexity of how environmental behavior, identity, and values can intertwine.

Application Process:

Submit your application by clicking the “apply” button at the upper right of this page. Applications require a cover letter (2 page max), C.V., and contact information for references. (We will contact the references of finalists only.) Your cover letter should highlight your interest in the topic and UVM, why your background is a good fit for the project (please refer to “About the Position” above), and how your background, research, and/or experience would contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment at the Gund Institute.

Applications will be evaluated on the candidate’s experience, fit with the project, academic excellence, and commitment and contributions to diversity and inclusiveness.

Applications are due at 11:59 PM EST on March 18, 2024.

For more information and to apply Click Here.