Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Position Type

This is a grant-funded position. The initial appointment is for one year with the potential for a one-year renewal under the current grant. Continuation beyond two years is contingent on future grant funding, satisfactory progress, and contribution to the collective program.

Job Details

The Arizona State University Center for Biodiversity Outcomes invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar position to join a vibrant and growing interdisciplinary team of faculty, students, and non-academic partners to develop and implement a portfolio of projects that advance marine biodiversity conservation policy and action in the United States. The position is a full-time, non-tenure track, benefits eligible position with an anticipated start date in May 2026.

Expanding and applying knowledge about marine biodiversity is critical to improving decision-making in all sectors with regards to resource management and investment. A whole-of-society approach to synthesizing, expanding, and sharing ocean and coastal biodiversity knowledge and strengthening institutions to apply this knowledge can support improved evidence-based protection and sustainable use.

The private sector is critical for achieving sustainable outcomes, and due to regulatory and social pressure is increasingly interested in working in the realm of biodiversity conservation However, it is still unclear how biodiversity information can best be integrated into private-sector processes in ways that accomplish both business goals and biodiversity conservation. Our project focuses on interrelated questions: (1) What are the key private sector actors and industries with a stake in ocean biodiversity? (2) What are the goals, needs, and capacities of these key private sector actors? (3) What are immediate opportunities for coordinating action across the private sector, public sector, and civil society organizations? (4) Where are knowledge gaps that preclude action? Our proposed work facilitates action to improve the sustainability of marine, freshwater, and coastal biodiversity in the U.S.

Essential Functions

●Conduct research: discover and synthesize relevant literature; compile, analyze, and synthesize data; disseminate results in presentations and peer-reviewed publications

●Extend/develop a typology for how marine biodiversity is relevant to companies

●Identify sectors of the economy that rely on/benefit from ocean biodiversity and synthesize data on sector characteristics

●Identify gaps between existing ocean biodiversity knowledge and current organizational activity to understand needed research

●Help lead a virtual convening and workshop, which will be developed based on discussions and input from key private sector partners

●Assist with translation of concepts into forms relevant and compelling to private sector stakeholders

●Work closely with a transdisciplinary team, including faculty, students, government scientists, philanthropic partners, NGO scientists, private sector groups, and community members

●Assist with funding applications to support project continuation.

Required Qualifications:

●A PhD (or terminal degree) by the time of appointment in business, conservation biology, economics, public policy, sustainability, or other degree that includes training at the nexus of private sector decision-making and the environment.

●Experience working in interdisciplinary teams.

●Data analysis and geospatial analysis skills and experience.

●Experience writing academic papers as well as producing literature targeted at a professional / non-academic audience.

Desired Qualifications:

●Experience with and willingness to engage in co-production with partners from across society.

●Strong working knowledge of the corporate decision making and/or biodiversity literature–preferably both.

●Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students and communities to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.

Application Instructions

The application deadline is December 31, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials:

•Cover letter and research approach (2 pages). Applicants should describe experience and suitability for the project and illustrate the strengths of the applicant’s experience towards developing and implementing this research.

•Curriculum Vitae or resume, including three professional references.

•Writing sample.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full nondiscrimination statement (ACD 401) is located on the ASU website at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX.

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