Post-doctoral Associate in Socioecological Outcomes and Monitoring of Restoration in Dryland Ec

Position Overview

We are recruiting a postdoctoral associate to work on an NSF DISES‑funded project titled "Socioecological Outcomes of Restoration:
Discovering the interplay among biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional dimensions of dryland forest‑grassland landscapes". The project is a collaboration between Penn State, Duke University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Witwatersrand, and LUANAR.

Working under the primary mentorship of Iris Djenontin and co‑mentored across disciplines, the postdoctoral associate will analyze socio‑ecological data from Malawi and South Africa and develop monitoring frameworks and policy insights.

The role is a term position; the length will be discussed during the interview and continuation may depend on funding.

• Analyze primary social and ecological data on ecosystem restoration (Household and community surveys, semi‑structured qualitative interviews, ecological field surveys, remote sensing of land cover change, and secondary data). Deliver integrative scientific publications and practical policy briefs.
• Coordinate with research team members and engage in outreach, including presenting research across Africa and the United States, assisting with science‑policy outreach and peer training.
• Support overall team planning and logistics, including meeting coordination, minutes, and the annual technical report.
• Devote five percent of effort to professional and career development activities (e.g., seminars or workshops) at the discretion of the associate.

• Ph.D. in human‑environment geography, landscape ecology, land system science, remote sensing/GIS science, data science, or a related field.
• Interdisciplinary background with experience integrating social and ecological theories, methods, and data.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative analysis (household surveys, spatial data, interviews, ecological data) with statistical methods accounting for trade‑offs and co‑benefits.
• Publication record demonstrating the ability to publish integrative social‑ecological research.

• Understanding of ecosystem restoration policy dynamics linking biodiversity, climate, and human well‑being goals.
• Experience studying mixed‑land‑use landscapes and associated ecosystems.
• Experience with policy related to rural smallholder livelihoods.
• Experience coordinating complex, team‑based projects with diverse partners across cultures.

Penn State offers a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including postdoctoral benefits. For more details, visit the Benefits Page or the Postdoctoral Benefits page.

Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you have difficulty using the online application process due to impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.