Position Summary

The postdoctoral research associate will join an interdisciplinary and multi-institutional USDA-funded research project, Building Resilience to Shocks and Disruptions: Creating Sustainable and Equitable Local and Regional Food Systems in the US Midwest Region and Beyond. The research team is investigating the complex interactions and cumulative impacts of multiple shocks (e.g., climate change and disease outbreaks) on the resilience and sustainability of agri-food systems in the U.S. Midwest.

The postdoctoral associate will work under the guidance of Drs. Jianguo (Jack) Liu, Andrés Viña, and Julie Winkler at Michigan State University and Dr. Dennis Todey at the USDA Midwest Climate Hub. These scholars are experts in the areas of climate science, remote sensing, systems integration, and sustainability science. They are members of a large interdisciplinary research team that includes expertise in agricultural economics and supply chain management, artificial intelligence and digital agriculture, food and nutritional science, modeling, social network analysis, K-12 educational outreach, rural development, science communication, and sustainable food systems and food security.

The primary responsibility of the postdoctoral associate will be to investigate the impacts of historical and future shocks, including climate shocks, on agri-food systems in the U.S. Midwest. This research will include the analysis of historical climate and remotely-sensed data, and the development of climate projections relevant to critical growth stages for a range of food crops produced in the U.S. Midwest. The work will involve the analysis of large data sets, preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, presentations in professional meetings/symposia, and preparation of datasets, together with associated metadata, to be submitted to public data repositories.

The postdoctoral associate will have opportunities to work with project members in translating climate information for stakeholder decision making, including participation in the development of decision-support tools and early warning systems. The postdoctoral associate will also have opportunities to interact and network with the USDA Midwest Climate Hub and partners/projects related to various aspects of climate change and agriculture in the U.S. Midwest. Additional opportunities for training and professional development relevant to the postdoctoral associate’s professional goals will be provided by the project team, through the MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (https://postdocs.msu.edu/), and through the USDA Midwest Climate Hub. Potential opportunities include training in stakeholder engagement and outreach, teaching, and mentoring of students, among others.

Funds will be available for travel to professional meetings/symposia and to project meetings.  12-month position with funding available for 2 years.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -agriculture, climate science, geography

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in agriculture, climate science, geography, remote sensing, sustainability science or a related field by the start of the position
• Experience or interest in producing and translating climate information for applications related to agriculture, food system, and sustainability.
• Expertise with quantitative data analysis
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Publication track record with at least one first author publication

Desired Qualifications

• Interests in the co-development of decision-support tools and early warning systems for stakeholder groups and/or enhancing science communication
• Experience working in multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary collaborative groups or teams
• Experience working with stakeholder groups
• Skills in computer programming

Required Application Materials

Please submit a cover letter, CV, names and contact information for three references, 2-3 representative publications or papers, and a 2-3 page statement summarizing your research interests and experiences to date.

Special Instructions

Please contact Dr. Jack Liu (liuji@msu.edu), Dr. Andrés Viña (vina@msu.edu), Dr. Dennis Todey (dennis.todey@usda.gov) and/or Dr. Julie Winkler (winkler@msu.edu) with questions.

Review of Applications Begins On

03/31/2023

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/

Department Statement

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife was established in 1950 with faculty drawn from several different units. Since that time, both the faculty and the issues of importance in fisheries and wildlife have changed significantly. Our Mission, Vision, and Values build on our core strengths and prepare us for continuing change in societal needs, scientific understanding, and educational priorities. Our Mission is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education, and engagement. We believe a diverse, inclusive working and learning environment enriches the department and fosters innovation in teaching, research, and engagement with partners and the public.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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