Job Description

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Position: Science for Nature and People Partnership Research Fellow

Location: Based in Boise, ID, Olympia, WA, or Portland, OR, with hybrid work options

Faculty Mentor: Stephanie Lenhart, Boise State University

Other Mentors: Taylor Ganz, The Nature Conservancy, and David Trimbach, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Department: College of Education and Public Service and School of Environment, Environmental Management Program, Boise State

Appointment Term: 24 months

Desired Start Date: On or before January 1, 2027

Boise State University invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in the College of Education and Public Service and the School of Environment. The position, funded by the Science for Nature and People Partnership, will evaluate how utility-scale solar is planned and deployed, and assess opportunities to reduce conflict with biodiversity and people. The project addresses the interlinked ecological and energy systems of the Columbia River Basin and is supported by a working group of developers, Tribal representatives, scientists, and state agencies in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

The project will focus on the following questions:

1) How do different groups interact with solar projects across jurisdictions, and what challenges and opportunities exist for improving engagement and collaboration?

2) How can we leverage the available technical resources and improve solar design to enable better socio-ecological outcomes?

Department Overview:

This is a unique opportunity for training in sustainability social science, with professional mentorship from an interdisciplinary team and exposure to a wide range of researchers, practitioners, and institutions.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stephanie Lenhart, Boise State University

Other Mentors: Taylor Ganz, The Nature Conservancy, and David Trimbach, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Level Scope:

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a Post Doctoral Fellowship.

Essential Functions:

Under the guidance of the core research team (Ganz, Lenhart, and Trimbach) and the project working group, the postdoctoral researcher will:

• Analyze and synthesize project-relevant literature across disciplinary boundaries.
• Supervise a graduate research assistant.
• Collect qualitative and quantitative data through semi-structured interviews, surveys, and other approaches.
• Organize and analyze project data, including primary and secondary quantitative, qualitative, and spatial data.
• Co-develop workgroup meetings and support the development of partnerships with scholars, practitioners, and funders.
• Co-develop and co-author high-impact scholarly outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, a practitioner report, and public outreach materials.
• Disseminate research findings at project working group meetings and conferences.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Training in qualitative and/or quantitative social science research methods and knowledge of ethical and methodological best practices in social science research.
• Data analysis and data visualization skills.
• Familiarity with geographic information system (GIS) software.
• Strong academic writing skills demonstrated through a track record of, or clear potential for, high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated science communication and/or community outreach experience.
• Ability to understand and value diverse perspectives, recognize when others have valuable input, communicate assertively and respectfully, and demonstrate a strong commitment to team collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completed Ph.D. in environmental or energy social sciences (socio-ecological-technical systems; environmental studies; sustainability science; human geography; political science; natural resource management; sociology; anthropology; human dimensions of natural, fish, and wildlife management; wildlife ecology; conservation biology; science and technology studies); or other relevant fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with knowledge co-production through collaborative, community-based, or participatory research.
• Experience with Tribal/Indigenous and/or government research or collaboration.
• Background working with ecological data in sagebrush/rangeland systems.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Experience supervising and mentoring students or junior researchers.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is $65,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

1. Cover letter describing your interest and fit for the position as well as future career goals (1 page max)
2. Curriculum vitae, with a listing of social science analysis software skills
3. Research statement describing your dissertation research and current research interests (2 pages max)
4. Three relevant references

Review will begin on October 23rd and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions can be directed to: Dr. Stephanie Lenhart (Stephanielenhart@boisestate.edu).

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/