Postdoctoral Researcher - Sustainable Materials Management

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job #
077508
Job Title
Postdoctoral Researcher - Sustainable Materials Management
Location
Syracuse, NY
Pay Range
$60,000 - $65,000
FLSA Status
Exempt
Hours
Standard University Hours
Job Type
Full-time
Rank
Post Doc
Campus
Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable
Job Description
The Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community Solutions/Environmental Finance Center (SU-CSCS/EFC) seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to help lead research and the implementation of sponsored programs (i.e., grants) funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF, and others. Grant and research focus includes Sustainable Materials Management (i.e., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling), natural resources management, environmental sustainability, climate change, emerging contaminants, and environmental finance. The Postdoctoral Researcher will develop and facilitate research to increase knowledge and deepen understanding about issues and solutions related to SMM, water resources, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The Postdoctoral Researcher will also provide support to NYS stakeholders and communities to help advance the adoption of SMM practices, especially those related to plastic pollution reduction, microplastics, and recycling systems. Tasks will include but are not limited to gathering and analyzing data, providing technical assistance, developing tools and resources, facilitating outreach and engagement, creating digital communications, and writing grants. This is a 40-hour per week, year-round position. This position will be based in Syracuse, NY. Periodic travel throughout NYS will be required. The Postdoctoral Researcher will report to the Center's Assistant Directors.
Qualifications

• Ph.D. in civil/environmental engineering, environmental science, natural resources management, sustainability, or closely related focus, and experience working in the field(s) of waste reduction, Sustainable Materials Management, natural resources management, environmental education, sustainable development, and/or environmental consulting.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Required skills include data collection and analysis; meeting planning and facilitation; written communication; outreach and engagement; interpersonal communication; time/task management; systems thinking; survey methods; and grant writing and reporting. Required knowledge includes Sustainable Materials Management concepts (e.g., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling); recycling systems; plastic pollution; microplastics; per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); sustainable community development; and environmental communication best practices.

Responsibilities

• Support the mission and vision of the SU-CSCS/EFC, the "Center", by helping to lead grant-funded environmental and community focused projects throughout U.S. EPA Region 2 (i.e., New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight native nations).
• Support the Center's Assistant Directors with assessing and improving the environmental, social, and economic services it provides to NY communities and beyond.
• Support the Center's Assistant Directors with internal organizational operations including team communications, meeting coordination, database management, and file organization.
• Foster the development of professional skills, expertise and knowledge, and career goals of the Center's student interns through mentorship and by cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
• Support and strengthen synergistic partnerships in NY that enhance the Center's capacity and programming and that benefit its partners and stakeholders and their communities.
• Contribute to the Center's SMM-related communications through its websites, social media accounts, press releases, informational flyers, e-newsletters, and annual reports.
• Incorporate approaches to all Center-related work that strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
• Coordinate NY-based projects, activities, and tasks related to environmental/community sustainability, SMM, water resources, and emerging contaminants.
• Lead the development and facilitation of research initiatives by collecting and analyzing data related to NY-based waste issues and SMM systems, including recycling systems, plastic pollution, single-use materials, and emerging plastic alternatives (e.g., bioplastics), as well as water resources and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
• Develop publications and other communication/educational outlets for research outputs and participate in conferences by presenting research findings and/or other Center-related work.
• Design and facilitate technical assistance and training opportunities for key stakeholders in rural and urban communities to advance SMM, recycling, and plastic pollution reduction throughout NY.
• Coordinate meetings, trainings, conference sessions, data collection activities, tours, litter clean-ups, and more, including planning, logistics, promotion, facilitation, and follow-up.
• Co-coordinate and facilitate NY-based SMM stewardship programs that educate, train, and support college faculty and students and K-12 teachers and students.
• Develop resources, tools, educational materials, outreach communications and designs, and other outputs and deliverables for NY-based programs.
• Convene stakeholders, industry professionals, and research groups by scheduling meetings, facilitating communications, taking meeting notes, and managing group documents.
• Incorporate experiential knowledge, current scientific research, and up-to-date industry best practices into projects, activities, outputs, products, and deliverables.
• Develop and implement feedback mechanisms (e.g., surveys) for project partners, stakeholders, and audiences served by Center projects and programs.
• Utilize program evaluation methods and metrics to assess successes, impacts, and opportunities for improvement for Center projects.
• Help identify new funding opportunities for NY programming related to environmental sustainability, SMM, plastic pollution, and more.
• Conceptualize new project ideas related to SMM, recycling, plastic pollution, and single-use materials and integrate them into grant proposal applications for future funding opportunities.
• Develop project and activity reports for work conducted, grant deliverables completed, and qualitative and quantitative impacts.

Physical Requirements
Tools/Equipment
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and list of three references.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University's 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
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Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/102844
Job Posting Date
12/13/2023
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Yes
Priority Consideration
Job Category
Faculty
Message to Applicants