IFMA Foodverse

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Based on Qualifications

Department/Organization: 750502 - Global Water Security Center

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Job Summary: The Assistant Research Professional should show evidence of competence in the disciplinary area of the position and demonstrated promise of moving towards excellence in professional leadership, practice, and/or research and scholarly activities as appropriate for the position. As directed, individuals in this track level independently contribute to the planning and design of research and creative projects. He/she performs supporting research and creative activities such as data analysis, monitoring outcomes, performing lab maintenance, and/or performing experiments and creating creative projects. May assist in both short-term and long-term planning and project goals, as well as in research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings. This is only a representation of possible duties and is not an all-inclusive listing.

Additional Department Summary: The Global Water Security Center (GWSC) seeks a human-environmental scientist passionate about addressing global environmental challenges in the real world. The candidate will articulate the multiple ways environmental drivers such as drought, heat, and flooding can lead to instability by identifying and evaluating pathways in socio-ecological (SES), socio-hydrological, and coupled human-natural systems (CHANS). We’re looking for a candidate with experience assessing and summarizing a diverse array of peer-reviewed, grey literature, and news articles.

The candidate will undertake careful assessment of the ways social and institutional factors moderate environmental impacts of changes to water supply, food, energy, and health around the world in order to draw out plausible, testable pathways to impact. Applicant should be a self-starter, analytically creative, willing to brainstorm, and inquisitive.

GWSC is an applied research and operational center commissioned to respond to our nation’s need for water and environmental security insights. GWSC will inform national security partners and others with global interests in water and environmental security. Our partners will include the Department of Defense (DoD), other US Government agencies, private companies, and data producers from federal agencies and academia.

Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects. To best execute its mission, the Office for Research & Economic Development (ORED) prefers that all ORED employees work on the campus of The University of Alabama. However, ORED will consider, on a case-by-case basis, remote work for an employee if such work makes strong business sense for ORED based on the scope of work and expectations for that employee. Prior to any remote work, the employee and their direct supervisor(s) and the Vice President will execute a Flexible Work Agreement, per UA policy.

Required Minimum Qualifications: A relevant post-Baccalaureate degree is highly preferred (Master’s degree or higher). For candidates demonstrating comparable independent research and creative productivity, a relevant four-year undergraduate degree (B.A. or B.S.) and one (1) or more years of documented relevant experience may be substituted. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with at least two years of experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Experience evaluating and summarizing complex data from diverse sources. Ability to work closely with data analysts to define analysis questions. Demonstrable knowledge of at least one area of environmental science, such as water resources, food, energy, or health. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Computer skills, not limited to spreadsheet applications, personal computing networks, and internet software.

Preferred Qualifications: Candidates with a Master's or Ph.D. in any type of Environmental Science, economics, geography, psychology, or related field. Work experience in any type of social science, economics, geography, psychology, political science, international affairs, or environmental studies, is preferred. Experience in complex system theory, including working with causal loop diagrams and/or directed acyclic graphs (DAG). Experience in multiple environmental subject areas, such as water resources, food, energy, or health. Ability to collaborate closely with colleagues doing GIS, data analysis, and integrated modeling and contribute to work in those areas. U.S. citizen capable of receiving a security clearance.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

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