Post-Doctoral Associate in Energy Transition, Community and Workforce Development

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh has an opening for a 1.5-year (18-month) post-doctoral associate position. The position is funded starting May 2025 (the start date is negotiable).

The research project investigates the diversification of economic opportunity in Pennsylvania communities with fossil-fuel-based economies. Specifically, the project asks: 1) What economic opportunities are emerging in fossil fuel-based communities (including, but not limited to, green jobs and development)? 2) What opportunities and barriers characterize the diversification of employment opportunities in fossil fuel-based communities? 3) What policies are needed to support green and equitable employment and development opportunities in the region? Research on the insights of those navigating this transition (e.g., local government officials, community leaders, workers, residents, and other stakeholders) is essential to inform public policies to achieve a more Just Transition.

The Post-doctoral Associate's Responsibilities

In-person field research: The post-doctoral associate will undertake field research, which will include in-person focus groups and interviews. These will primarily be held in Pennsylvania and may potentially extend to parts of Ohio and West Virginia. To facilitate this in-person field research, the post-doctoral must be based in the greater Pittsburgh region at the start of the position, have a valid US driving license, own a personal vehicle, and be comfortable driving to the interview and focus group sites. The project cannot provide a vehicle but will pay for other field research costs associated with these trips (e.g., lodging and mileage).

Survey design and implementation: The post-doctoral associate will design and implement surveys of stakeholder groups to address the research questions as described above.

Stakeholder/participant engagement: The post-doctoral associate will engage and extend the research team's existing relationships with regional stakeholders as necessary to secure their participation in interviews, focus groups, and surveys.

Data analysis: The post-doctoral associate will apply mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the data collected via surveys, interviews, and focus groups, as well as additional quantitative data derived from various secondary sources. The analysis will focus on building an understanding of policies needed to support growing employment and economic opportunities in the southwestern PA region, including workforce training.

Writing and publication: The post-doctoral associate will write papers for academic publications and reports.

Qualifications

The applicant should be near the completion of their Ph.D. (in no order of preference of disciplines) in Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Planning, Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, or related fields. The candidate must complete their Ph.D. prior to the commencement of this post-doctoral associate position.

The applicant should be able to demonstrate the following essential skills:

• Experience conducting interviews and focus groups;

• experience designing and implementing large surveys;

• experience analyzing qualitative and quantitative data;

• experience with quantitative software (e.g., Stata or R), qualitative software (e.g., NVivo or ATLAS.ti), and survey software (e.g., Qualtrics)

• excellent organizational and interpersonal skills;

• strong commitment to undertake field research.

Application materials

To apply, please upload the following materials to the University of Pittsburgh Talent Center:

(1) a cover letter detailing your experience with large surveys, focus groups, and interviews and applying mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) and your experience that can inform research on community and workforce development;

(2) CV, and if applicable, the link to your professional website, Google Scholar page or Linkedin;

(3) two research papers. Including at least one for which you are the lead author;

(4) Name, position, and email of your three-letter writers who can speak to your research skills and experience.

We will contact shortlisted candidates to request three reference letters.

To guarantee full consideration, your application should be submitted by December 31, 2024, but we will continue to review applications until the position is filled.