Policy Research Fellow

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Communication Studies, Public Policy, or other interdisciplinary program with 1 or more years of research training.
• Prior teaching experience at the graduate or undergraduate level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research interests related to environmental communication, sustainability, environmental justice, or environmental policy.
• Cross-cultural competency and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Creativity, enthusiasm, positive attitude, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent project management skills, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently, manage deadlines, and pick up new skills and areas of expertise.
• Interest in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

The University of Minnesota’s Center for Science, Technology and the Environmental Policy (CSTEP) in the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota fosters interdisciplinary and community-engaged research on energy and environmental policy. The mission of CSTEP is to build local capacity to address socio-economic inequality by leveraging the resources and expertise of the research university in service to community priorities in the energy and environmental space.

The Research Fellow will work under the supervision of Dr. Bonnie Keeler and collaborate with CSTEP faculty and research staff, external stakeholders, community members, students, along with affiliated researchers, faculty and advisors. The Fellow will specialize in water policy, environmental justice and community engagement. Primary tasks include leading academic manuscripts for publication, reviewing and synthesizing literature, conducting original qualitative and spatial research, maintaining relationships with research and community partners, and contributing to internal and external research-based reports.

The ideal candidate will thrive as part of a dynamic team of interdisciplinary researchers and stakeholders. There are ample opportunities for the candidate to pursue their own interests, expand their professional network, and develop skills in environmental leadership and program management.

This is a one year position, beginning August 26, 2024 or when the position is filled.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

60% Research: The primary expectation for the fellow is to lead one or more peer-reviewed manuscripts that build on the work of the externally funded research grant on the Mississippi River. Additional research tasks include developing reports and presentation materials for internal use and external distribution, managing databases of existing research, drafting policy briefs and compiling research for grant proposals, web, and other public-facing outlets.

20% Mentorship, Leadership, and Administration: The Fellow will support the operations of a subset of CSTEP research activities, including liaising with community partners, planning meetings, facilitating research and coordinating undergraduate and graduate researchers.

20% Teaching: The Fellow will serve as the instructor of record for two Public Affairs courses totaling 4.5 credits during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Working Conditions:
The majority of the work will take place in an office setting at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs on the West Bank Campus of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. There is the potential for some national and (limited) international travel as part of the position. Desk space will be available at the University, although some remote work hours are possible.

APPOINTMENT/BENEFITS/SALARY:

• This is a full-time Professional & Administrative appointment at the level of Researcher 5 and is annually renewable based on performance, funding, and program needs. The position will be located on the Minneapolis West Bank campus. Hybrid work options may be available.
• A full University of Minnesota benefits package is available: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Working-U
• Estimated salary range is $74,000 - $78,000. Salary commensurate on qualifications and previous work experience.

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs is committed to academic excellence and diversity in every facet of its work, and in its mission: to educate, engage, and equip leaders and communities to discover solutions that advance the common good in our diverse world. The School is ranked in the top 5% nationally of U.S. based schools of public affairs, is NASPAA-accredited, and known for its research and public engagement in local, state, national, and international policy spheres.

The Humphrey School works to enrich the diversity of the University community and encourages applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply. Our concept of a diverse community encompasses people with identities that have been historically marginalized in our society and underrepresented in higher education and the realm of public affairs, particularly: scholars from the Global South; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; new immigrants; people with disabilities; women and people of all gender identities and expressions; LGBTQ+ individuals; and first-generation college students. We seek candidates whose approach to teaching and research is innovative and inclusive in terms of structurally or historically underrepresented groups. The Humphrey School also recognizes issues of access and climate for individuals who might encounter barriers based on their religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, or veteran status. We are committed to creating, inviting, and welcoming individuals into an environment where all people have an opportunity to learn and contribute. We seek always to include multiple and potentially divergent perspectives into a common community of inquiry and learning.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:
1. Cover letter expressing your interest in the position and how your strengths and experiences align with the position description and listed qualifications.
2. Resume/Vitae

Provide a cover letter, current resume or CV, and a list of professional references with your application materials. Your cover letter should address the required and preferred qualifications noted above and include a summary of your past work experience and interest in the position.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).