The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM) in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in water-energy-food (WEF) nexus for a low-carbon economy. This is a one-year appointment, with an additional year possible pending performance and funding availability.

The successful candidate will conduct original research and community/policy engagement that supports both SustainFood, an NSF Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet) project https://sustainfood.psu.edu/, and the Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Biomass For Value-Added Products Consortium (MASbio) project https://masbio.wvu.edu/. SustainFood is a collaborative platform that links, builds, and accelerates international, transdisciplinary teams across the US, African, and European networks that provide sustainable solutions using the WEF Nexus. MASbio is a regional network of universities, businesses and governmental organizations dedicated to create a sustainable and economically feasible bioproducts sector. Both projects have clear opportunities for their network science to be linked. About 70% of the time the individual will work on SustainFood related activities.

We are open to expressions of research interest but the individual should show in their application a link between the two projects. One example is developing technical and economic analyses of low-carbon solutions such as bioenergy utilization taking into account water, energy and food tradeoffs and impacts using nexus frameworks.

We are looking for an individual who has experience in water, energy, or food-related topics, especially using an interdisciplinary approach.

The individual will conduct original research working with scientists, extension personnel, state agencies, and other stakeholders. We want the individual to lead preparation and submission of sole- and joint-authored peer-reviewed publications. The position will also involve the development of policy-relevant outputs, for example, extension bulletins, blogs and video-blogs, policy briefs, and social media materials. The individual will also participate in professional development opportunities.

Qualifications. This position requires a PhD (with formal degree granted before the date of hire) in forest science, natural resources, environmental science, environmental policy, environmental economics, geography, or related fields. A publication record is expected, as is evidence of (or potential for) working with policymakers and the general public in natural resources management.

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Application. Interested candidates should apply directly online at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. From the home page, click on the box for Academic & Faculty job opportunities and search for job Req_0000050468. In addition to applying online, candidates should forward the following application materials to Nathan Weyandt at ndw5072@psu.edu:

• cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• names and contact information for three references
• a statement of research and policy engagement experiences and future interests

Applicants should provide evidence, either woven through their application materials or as a separate diversity statement, of a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusive excellence, and belonging and of engagement which creates an inclusive environment in the department and the University. Questions about the position can be addressed to Michael Jacobson mgj2@psu.edu. Applications are due by December 15, 2023.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.