Postdoctoral Research Associate: Social Vulnerability and Flood Adaptation
Princeton University: Office of the Dean of the Faculty: Social Sciences: School of Public and International Affairs: Center for Policy on Energy and the Environment

Location: Princeton, NJ, USA

Salary Range or Pay Grade: $65,000-$75,000 for postdoctoral research associates; $76,000-$85,000 for associate research scholars

Description

The Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment at Princeton University invites applications for postdoctoral or more senior researchers to investigate flood adaptation limits. The focal question is how social vulnerability shapes adaptation choices, actions, and outcomes of households and communities in the U.S. and abroad. The position is funded by a European Research Council Synergy grant: âœLIMIT2ADAPT â“ When and where do we reach the limits of adaptation to future riverine flood risk?❠The research will employ qualitative and/or mixed-methods approaches to identify constraints, interactions of social and physical vulnerability, and emerging patterns of adaptation limits across diverse flood contexts. The goal is to integrate the resultant process understanding into spatial indicator modeling

The researcher(s) will report to Professor Eric Tate and will also collaborate with international project partners and Dr. Patrick Bitterman at Kent State University. The appointment is through the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. Professional development support includes opportunities to present findings at scientific conferences and mentoring aligned with the researcher's career priorities.

Salary and full employee benefits are offered in accordance with University guidelines. The term of appointment is based on rank. Positions at the postdoctoral rank are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding; those hired at more senior ranks may have multi-year appointments.

Qualifications

A PhD in a social science or a related field is required. Successful applicants will have strong skills in at least one of two research areas:

1. Qualitative research, employing semi-structured interviews as well as archival analysis and/or systematic literature review.

2. Mixed-method research, applying surveys as well as qualitative comparative analysis and/or multivariate regression.

Ideal applicants will have:

• Fundamental interest in environmental inequality and climate hazards

• Experience analyzing geospatial data

• Excellent academic writing and communication skills in English

• Strong publication record relative to degree timing

• Collaborative disposition with postdoctoral and PhD researchers on the team

This position is subject to the Universityâ™s background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorships (including H-1B visas not requiring consular processing) may be available, as appropriate.

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching and service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. We actively seek colleagues of exceptional ability who represent a broad range of viewpoints, experience and value systems and who share Princeton Universityâ™s dedication to excellence and service.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit a CV, contact information for three references, and a cover letter describing their areas of expertise and interest. (Note that the reference form allows up to 6 entries, but please only provide 3.) References may be contacted for the candidates who make the shortlist for this position. The submission must be made online.

The desired start date is July through August 2026. Screening of applications will begin in early May and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Administrative questions about the position may be sent to Keely Swan, Associate Director of C-PREE at kswan@princeton.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

PI284596735

About Princeton University

Princeton University is a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation's service and in the service of all nations. Chartered in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Princeton is an independent, coeducational, nondenominational institution that provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering.As a world-renowned research university, Princeton seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching.Today, more than 1,100 faculty members instruct approximately 5,200 undergraduate students and 2,600 graduate students. The University's generous financial aid program ensures that talented students from all economic backgrounds can afford a Princeton education.

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