Postdoctoral Scholar
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 May 13, 2025 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Plant Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in socio-technical studies to analyze critical aspects of technology adoption in rural communities. The scholar will work with Dr. Siela Maximova on a funded project conducting an integrated assessment to evaluate the feasibility of implementing technologies for bioeconomy in forest-protecting value chains for tropical forests, as well as in bioproducts and bioprocessing development in the Amazon. Responsibilities include conducting socio-technical analysis, community assessment, and data analysis in collaboration with researchers from Penn State and other institutions. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish research findings in international peer-reviewed journals, present research at conferences and meetings, and generate regular project update reports. Mentorship and professional development opportunities will be provided and tailored to the researcher's career goals. Applicants must have a PhD in rural sociology, sociology, geography, or a related field, with experience in mixed-methods social science research in rural settings, including conducting interviews, focus groups, and analyzing survey data. The candidate should be able to conduct independent research, manage projects, and be familiar with agricultural and forest systems, socio-technical studies, sustainable livelihoods approaches, and/or bioeconomy value chain analysis. Strong oral and written communication skills, a record of peer-reviewed publications, and experience working with interdisciplinary, international teams are required. Portuguese language proficiency is preferred. Interested applicants should upload a single PDF containing a cover letter detailing scientific interests, qualifications, and future goals, and a CV including contact information for three references. Application review will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines | |