Position Announcement: Post-doctoral Fellowship in Socio-Hydrology

Global Institute for Water SecurityPost-doctoral Fellowship in Socio-Hydrology: Defining Water Security in the Saskatchewan River Basin

POSITION:  A post-doctoral fellowship is available immediately for a highly motivated and organized individual interested in the consideration of contemporary water security issues by linking physical and biological sciences with social science perspectives including governance, institutions, human behaviours, perceptions, and public policy.

With financial support from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) and the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Water Security (CERC), the successful candidate will contribute to the development of a new social science research programme as part of the recently-established Global Institute for Water Security.

This exciting initiative builds on the unique breadth and depth of expertise at the U of S that includes more than 65 faculty and 5 research chairs, world-class facilities, and relevant expertise in the social sciences, humanities, and policy arenas.

This position is for one year with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance. The fellowship includes a salary of CDN $43,000.RESPONSIBILITIES:  Through the institute, the University of Saskatchewan aspires to develop a social science component to address key societal issues and to complement the natural science and engineering expertise of the CERC programme.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise in water security, water policy and/or environmental management. The candidate will be expected to facilitate and build a research programme (write proposals, produce publications, etc.) and contribute social science expertise to workshops focused on stakeholder perceptions of water security.

This post-doctoral fellow will also be expected to collaborate with the larger interdisciplinary teams of both the CERC and SENS. These workshops are the first step in a scenario planning process for the Saskatchewan River Basin. The appointment will be made to someone with demonstrated research skills in social science methods. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  The candidate must have a PhD (or have a PhD defense date set) in public policy, sociology, political studies, geography, environmental management, or a closely related field. Experience establishing and carrying out qualitative and quantitative social science analyses is required, as is experience successfully facilitating focus groups and/or managing other group processes in a research setting.

The successful candidate will provide evidence of internationally-recognised research capability, an emerging publication record, and a demonstrable interest in interdisciplinary research. The successful candidate must also demonstrate the ability to effectively organize, lead, and coordinate research projects that involve multiple diverse stakeholders. Desirable attributes associated with this position’s responsibilities include experience working effectively with multiple stakeholders, including rural and indigenous communities; supervisory and/or mentorship experience with graduate students; and a demonstrated ability to secure research funding.

DEADLINE:  Review of applications will begin on June 22, 2011 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

TO APPLY:  To be considered, please electronically submit, in confidence, 1) your full curriculum vitae, 2) a list of three references who have each agreed to submit a letter of reference on your behalf if requested, 3) complete academic transcripts (copies are acceptable), and 4) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the job qualifications and are suited for the responsibilities described to:Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan

Attn: Kate WilsonNational Hydrology Research Centre11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, CANADATel: (306) 966-8014,

E-mail:  kate.wilson@usask.ca

The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (www.tourismsaskatoon.com), a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a strong research cluster, a vibrant arts community, and a full range of leisure opportunities.  

The U of S has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly activities, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of about 20,000.  The U of S is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities.  For information about the University of Saskatchewan, please visit www.usask.ca.

For information about the School of Environment and Sustainability, please visit www.usask.ca/sens.

Further details about the U of S CERC programme and the Global Institute for Water Security can be found at www.usask.ca/water.The University of Saskatchewan is committed to employment equity. Members of designated groups (women, aboriginal people, peoplewith disabilities and visible minorities) are encouraged to self-identify on their applications.