The Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) has been funded by the National Science Foundation's Long-term Ecological Research Program (LTER) for more than 25 years to study the urban ecology of metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct interdisciplinary environmental research with CAP scholars using the core social science dataset known as the Phoenix Area Social Survey (PASS), in addition to other ecological datasets. More specifically, the postdoc will assist in the design/implementation and data processing/analysis of PASS that will be implemented in the summer of 2026. The ideal candidate will develop their research ideas in collaboration with co-PI and Lead Social Scientist, Dr. Kelli L. Larson, and other CAP scientists on topics such as landscape sustainability, urban greening, park/environmental equity, biological conservation, and/or human-wildlife interactions (with data related to land management decisions, perceptions of risks/benefits, environmental attitudes, recreational activities, and human wellbeing).

This is a benefits-eligible, full-time, 12-month position, with no tenure implications. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the opportunity for renewal contingent on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The anticipated start date is August 2025. The postdoctoral scholar will be based at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

Essential Duties

During Year 1, the postdoc will have the opportunity to pursue their research interests while analyzing data from previous versions of PASS and helping to design and implement the 2026 summer survey. During year 2, the postdoc will continue to develop their CAP-linked research by processing, analyzing, and publishing the 2026 PASS data.

Responsibilities of the postdoctoral scholar will include:

Required:

• Applicants must have a recent Ph.D. (within the past four years) in a field within the broad realm of environmental social sciences and/or urban social-ecological systems by the time of appointment.

Desired:

• Background in quantitative and spatial data processing and analyses with knowledge of relevant software (e.g., R, ArcGIS, SPSS).
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills (in English).
• Demonstrated record of scientific publication in a relevant field.
• Experience with social survey and geospatial data as well as mixed types of data (e.g., ecological or environmental and social).
• Strong interest in geospatial and long-term datasets.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Only electronic submissions will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To apply for this position, submit the following required application materials:

• A detailed cover letter that includes a description of applicant’s research interests and relevant experience and vision related to the position.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references (include name, title, affiliation, email address, phone number).

Review of applications will begin March 14, 2025. If not filled, applications will be evaluated weekly thereafter until the search is closed.

Department Statement

The Central Arizona–Phoenix Long-term Ecological Research project was launched in 1997 as one of two urban sites in the NSF-funded LTER Network. Since then, CAP has been instrumental in establishing urban ecology as a recognized and important area of ecological inquiry. Now in the fifth phase of its research program, CAP V will connect social-ecological factors to human and non-human actions, distributions, and heterogeneity, focusing on long-term data sources on plants, soils, water, and wildlife, as well as human perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. Specifically, the central research questions of CAP V are: How are human-environment interactions mediated by urban ecological infrastructure to shape the social-ecological urban ecosystem — past, present and future? How can we use knowledge of these relationships to inform more just, transformative, and sustainable futures? The overarching goal of our research program is to foster broad social-ecological research aimed at understanding these complex systems using a holistic, ecology of cities perspective while contributing to an ecology for cities that enhances urban sustainability. CAP LTER values an inclusive and friendly work environment to advance knowledge, practice, and the ASU charter.