The Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology (BARA) at the University of Arizona is seeking an Applied Anthropologist / Social Scientist to contribute to BARA’s mission to place anthropology at the service of contemporary society, prepare the next generation of professional anthropologists, and address the pressing issues of local communities. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to collaborative efforts between BARA, in the School of Anthropology, the School of Mining and Mineral Resources, and the College of Engineering, co-leading and contributing to projects and publications focused on (1) understanding crucial intersectional factors in choice of engineering disciplines, and helping non-diverse engineering disciplines achieve greater participation of underrepresented groups, especially women and Hispanic students; and (2) developing environmental security metrics for communities impacted by mining projects and analyzing the impact of mining communities' environmental security on the critical minerals supply chain.

As a member of BARA, the postdoc will work closely with multidisciplinary collaborators from fields such as Engineering and Geosciences, as well as community collaborators, and contribute to projects to integrate social science and engineering, understand and address the lack of diversity in the STEM workforce pipeline, and explore and assess social and community impacts of emerging technologies. This is a year-to-year position contingent upon funding and performance, starting as early as October 2024 but no later than January 2025. We seek a postdoc whose research interests complement or expand those of BARA faculty; who can work collaboratively as a member of interdisciplinary teams involving faculty, students, and research staff; who can interact with members of research communities in a productive and ethical environment; and who can travel to off-campus project sites in southern Arizona.

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The BARA postdoc will help lead in-person interviews and focus groups with students and in-person and online interviews with experts (faculty, graduate students, advisors, mentors, alumni, and leaders in clubs and professional groups, from all engineering subdisciplines). The data from these activities will be combined with data from a multi-year survey on student choices of different fields of engineering and to secondary data on factors such as high school course availability, curriculum requirements, workforce fluctuations, and career prospects to identify factors that are important to recruiting and retaining students from underrepresented groups. The postdoc also will help lead community ethnography and in-person and online interviews with leaders and residents of communities in southern Arizona that have been impacted by mining projects in the past and are experiencing the opening of new mines. The data from these activities will be combined with data on historical and current mining activities in the target communities using indicators such as air quality, water quality, farm yield, soil pollution, and environmental regulatory activities. In both areas, the postdoc will help design and carry out interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic research; process and analyze qualitative and quantitative data; maintain project databases; and prepare written reports, oral presentations, and other products to inform the development of interventions and preparation of additional research proposals.

Specific tasks may include:

• Conduct research for and co-manage projects, including travel to project sites to conduct field work
• Draft reports and updates for collaborators and project sponsors
• Prepare manuscripts and present project process and outcomes and participate in at least one professional conference per calendar year to develop a professional network and meet potential sponsors/partners
• Supervise graduate and/or undergraduate students in a research setting, including helping them establish project objectives and timelines, organizing and leading training workshops, helping design and adapt research protocols, reviewing and commenting on field and interview notes, guiding data analysis, and helping prepare oral and written presentations of findings
• Participate in bimonthly meetings BARA faculty, research staff, and students and facilitate project meetings with collaborators.
• Participate in UA Postdoctoral Affairs for training on: how to apply for a faculty position, career paths outside of academia, tips for negotiating salary and start-up funds, and how to plan an independent research agenda.
• Develop a professional development plan and meet regularly with mentors.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively,
• Ability to adapt to rapidly shifting priorities and manage research projects from start to publication.
• Excellent written, communication, and interpersonal skills for peer-reviewed publications and for interactions with other researchers and the public.
• Familiarity with survey research methods and analysis.
  
  
  

• PhD in Anthropology, with a focus on Environmental and/or Applied Anthropology, or a closely related field, upon hire.
  

• Applicants with experience in collaborative research and ethnography are strongly preferred.
• Experience designing and implementing qualitative research projects
• Experience in conducting interdisciplinary research projects, with the ability to bridge gaps between different disciplines.
• A strong track record of applied research reports or peer-reviewed publications relevant to job responsibilities.