Duke University, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability

Position ID:Duke-Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability-RA [#24932]
Position Title: Research Associate
Position Type:Administration
Position Location:Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Areas: Data Science Orientation / Data Science Orientation
Applied Social Science Research
Appl Deadline:2023/07/30 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2023/05/30, finished 2024/01/02, listed until 2023/07/30)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

We are actively seeking a Research Associate to collaborate with the Just Environments Area Director and our extensive network of research teams. We seek a dedicated researcher with a passion for using quantitative methods and applying research justice principles to promote environmental justice. You will participate in the conception and creation of partnerships and research projects and supervise and mentor students in the Duke Environmental Justice Lab. Your work will focus on conducting transformative research that addresses environmental inequalities and challenges conventional power dynamics in knowledge production. In this role, you'll collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community organizations, fellow researchers, and policymakers. Together, you will co-create research projects that integrate quantitative methods, participatory approaches, and social justice frameworks. We value your expertise in quantitative research methodologies and commitment to research justice principles for generating actionable insights and advocating for more just and sustainable environmental policies and practices.

We are committed to creating a team that mirrors the diversity of our city, region, and world, and to fostering a space that encourages and upholds inclusiveness, equity, justice, and respect. We welcome and encourage applications from all individuals and strongly encourage women and members of under-represented groups to apply.

This is a two-year position with the possibility of extension, contingent upon satisfactory job performance and continued funding. The salary range for this position is $75-100,000 dependent upon experience.

To apply, please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information of three references on the application site. Additionally, also email these directly to Kay Jowers at Kay.jowers@duke.edu.

Duties: 1. Collaborate with community organizations, activists, and researchers to co-design and implement research projects at the intersection of environmental justice and Research Justice. 2. Apply quantitative research methods, including data collection, statistical analysis, and modeling, to investigate environmental disparities and their impacts on marginalized communities. 3. Utilize participatory research methods and community-engaged approaches to involve environmental justice communities as active partners in the research process, ensuring their voices and perspectives are central. 4. Develop and implement quantitative data collection protocols, surveys, and questionnaires that are culturally responsive and respectful of diverse knowledge systems and epistemologies. 5. Analyze and interpret quantitative research data, employing appropriate statistical techniques and advanced data analysis methods to uncover patterns and trends related to environmental justice. 6. Disseminate research findings through reports, presentations, community forums, and academic publications, while ensuring accessibility and engagement with diverse audiences. 7. Advocate for Research Justice principles within academic and research institutions, promoting the adoption of more inclusive and community-centered research practices. 8. Stay informed about emerging quantitative research methodologies, ethical considerations, and social justice frameworks relevant to environmental justice and Research Justice. 9. Collaborate with funding agencies and contribute to grant writing and proposal development to secure funding for research projects aligned with Research Justice principles. 10. Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations and contribute to the integration of quantitative methods with other research approaches, such as qualitative and mixed-methods research, to advance environmental justice.

Skills: 1. A degree in Applied Data Science, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Geography, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Demography, Sociology, Statistics, or a related field with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods is required. 2. Experience and understanding of research justice principles, quantitative research methodologies, and their application to environmental justice research. 3. Apply advanced statistical methods and modeling techniques to identify and analyze social factors influencing environmental disparities. 4. Proficiency in statistical software and tools, such as R, Python, or Stata, and experience with data management and analysis. 5. Knowledge of environmental justice concepts, theories, and frameworks, and their integration with quantitative research methods. 6. Experience working collaboratively with diverse communities and organizations, particularly those impacted by environmental injustices. 7. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and create inclusive spaces for knowledge sharing and collaboration. 8. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to apply quantitative methods to address complex environmental justice issues. 9. Demonstrated commitment to ethical research practices, including informed consent, confidentiality, the protection of participant rights, and data sovereignty principles. 10. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, balancing multiple projects and deadlines. 11. Knowledge of interdisciplinary approaches and willingness to integrate quantitative methods with other research methodologies, such as qualitative and mixed-methods research.

Education & Experience Required: We understand that expertise in data science and environmental justice may originate from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Therefore, we welcome applications from candidates with diverse educational and experiential backgrounds. This could include a bachelor’s degree plus 10 years of relevant work experience, a master's degree plus 5 years of work experience, or recent PhD graduates.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/
email address
 
Duke University
308 Research Drive
Durham, NC 27708