Job Description

Summary
Organization's Summary Statement: The Agroecology Lab in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to play a leadership role in the Resilience Implementation for Salt-INtruded Geographies (RISING) Mid-Atlantic project. RISING aims to significantly improve the resilience and well-being of rural coastal communities in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey impacted by saltwater intrusion and sea-level rise.



This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge science, practice, and policy by coordinating an ambitious, community-engaged effort across states, sectors, and scales. The Post-doctoral Associate will work closely with project leads and partners to design and facilitate a series of workshops and meetings, synthesize outcomes, and contribute to the development of the RISING Guide to Coastal Resilience.



Position Responsibilities

Co-lead the design, coordination, and facilitation of in-person workshops and virtual meetings with researchers, practitioners, and community stakeholders in MD, DE, and NJ. Submit protocols to UMD's Internal Review Board (IRB) for review and approval. Oversee all IRB documentation and procedures for RISING team. Assist with project management for the RISING team. Build and strengthen partnerships across farming, forestry, and other coastal sectors. Conduct qualitative data collection and analysis (e.g., interviews, focus groups, inductive coding of transcripts and notes). Synthesize workshop outcomes and research insights into written products, including peer-reviewed publications, reports, and outreach materials. Contribute to the development of the RISING Guide to Coastal Resilience, a comprehensive resource articulating shared goals and integrated solutions. Support preparation of future proposals (including R2I2 Phase 2 submission).


Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in environmental social science, socio-environmental systems, natural resources, coastal/ocean sciences, climate adaptation, or a related discipline (degree completed by start date). Demonstrated experience in community engagement, participatory research, or facilitation. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-institution, interdisciplinary team.


Physical Demands: The occasional need to lift and/or move light to moderate objects, such as office supplies or computers. Possessing close visual acuity to read a computer screen and review various materials. Occasionally moving about inside the office to access files, office machinery, or to travel to different meeting locations



Preferences:

Background in climate resilience, coastal adaptation, or social-ecological systems. Experience designing and facilitating workshops, collaborative processes, or stakeholder-driven research. Training or experience with collaborative decision-making approaches (e.g., co-production, deliberative dialogues, scenario planning). Experience using qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, or similar). Interest in applied, solutions-oriented research that connects science and community priorities. Ability to develop effective communications to non-science audiences (e.g., infographics, newsletters, factsheets, etc.) Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in coastal resilience planning.


Licenses/ Certifications:
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals. Curriculum Vitae. Contact information for three professional references

Best Consideration Date: 11/10/2025

Posting Close Date: NA

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
$50,299.72-$60,000
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

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