Postdoctoral Research Associate 100% - CBIKS

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate researcher to join an interdisciplinary team focused on braiding Indigenous and Western science. This role involves supporting thematic research projects, engaging with Indigenous communities, and contributing to knowledge mobilization efforts. The position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively on pressing issues such as climate change and food sovereignty while fostering a respectful and inclusive research environment. If you're driven by curiosity and a commitment to ethical research practices, this position could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• PhD required by the time of hire with no more than 4 years post-PhD experience.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Support thematic research working groups in prioritized research projects.
• Gather and analyze data relevant to research projects and draft publications.

Skills

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Research Skills

Education

PhD in Social or Natural Sciences

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

This position is with the Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (CBIKS), a National Science Foundation Science & Technology Center. CBIKS is an interdisciplinary center that examines how to effectively and ethically braid Western and Indigenous science research, education, and practice related to the urgent and interconnected challenges of climate change, protections of cultural places, and food sovereignty.

CBIKS activities include studying and promoting wise practices in community-based research with Indigenous communities, from relationship development and the research development process through storywork and knowledge mobilization. CBIKS activities include promoting the respectful braiding of Indigenous science with Western science, and supporting community-based research agendas and collaborative research design.

This position assists CBIKS thematic research groups in conducting "science of science" research within the CBIKS network. The eight research theme areas at CBIKS are: ethics, data sovereignty, relationality & research development, fieldwork & braiding knowledges, formal & informal science education, storywork & knowledge mobilization, training scientists, and policy & government agencies.

This is an on-site position at CBIKS Central on the UMass Amherst campus in Amherst, MA with the possibility of some remote work. This is a one-year position with a possibility of renewal for a second year.

Postdocs are expected to engage in at least two of the eight research themes. Applicants should note areas of interest and experience in their cover letter.

Essential Functions

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  Support thematic research working groups in prioritized research projects such as case studies, guidance documents, literature reviews, online learning modules, syntheses, policy recommendations, needs assessments.

  
  

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  Gather and analyze data relevant to prioritized research projects, and draft publications.

  
  

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  Support the CBIKS thematic research working groups in creating and documenting examples of wise ethical research engagement with Indigenous communities.

  
  

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  Manage curriculum and facilitation of expert contributors for online training modules.

  
  

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  Participate in the CBIKS Science Review Circle which reviews and supports CBIKS-sponsored research.

  
  

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  Conduct literature reviews of publications and resources relevant to prioritized research topics.

  
  

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  Document the research progress of working groups for research reporting.

  
  

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  Participate in grant writing and securing funding for research projects.

  
  

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  Work collaboratively with the CBIKS staff and science teams to ensure productive teamwork and inclusivity.

  
  

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  Other duties as assigned.

  
  

Minimum Qualifications

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  PhD in social or natural sciences or related field required by the time of hire.

  
  

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  Have been academically active for no longer than 4 years post-PhD.

  
  

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  Ability to work independently, outstanding organizational skills with acute attention to detail.

  
  

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  Excellent written and oral communication skills.

  
  

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  Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships.

  
  

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  Ability to work well with a diversity of faculty, staff, and students from a variety of disciplines within and outside the University.

  
  

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  Excellent computer skills, including Excel and Word, and the ability to learn new technology and systems.

  
  

Preferred Qualifications

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  Understanding of and experience working with Indigenous communities.

  
  

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  Experience working with different world views and ways of knowing.

  
  

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  Experience in qualitative research methods.

  
  

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  Experience in community-based participatory research.

  
  

Application Instructions

Please submit a CV, cover letter (noting which of the eight listed research themes would be of interest), and contact information for 3 professional references along with the application. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled. Anticipated start date: September 1, 2025.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.