Postdoctoral Research Scholar (CBIE)

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar on the governance of renewable energy systems, especially solar. Power systems are transitioning from a top-down control of the energy supply to a decentralized system with a variable, uncertain, and asynchronous energy generation which can challenge the stable, economic, and reliable operation of the power system. To govern this increasingly decentralized energy system requires cooperation among the diverse energy consumers, producers, and prosumers to provide reliable and affordable energy.

ASU’s Center for Behavior, Institutions and the Environment (CBIE), is a center within the School of Complex Adaptive Systems in the College of Global Futures at Arizona State University. Research within CBIE aims to improve our understanding of the interactions of human behavior, institutional arrangements, and the biophysical environment. This better understanding is used to inform effective governance of social-ecological systems. The research activities combine different methods, especially comparative analysis of observational and experimental studies as well as computational models.

This is a full-time, fiscal-year (12-month) appointment, benefits-eligible appointment with no tenure implications. The position is renewable annually, contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the university and the availability of recourses. The anticipated start date is Spring 2025 or earlier contingent upon available funding.

Job Duties:

• Mixed methods analyses of data collected from various behavioral studies on energy governance.
• Developing computational interdisciplinary models of decentralized energy systems.
• Drafting and publishing peer-reviewed publications from those analyses and models.
• Presenting results at international scholarly conferences.
• Writing grant proposals.
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Active participation in lab meetings and CBIE activities.

The School of Complex Adaptive Systems was established as a foundational institution within the College of Global Futures, ASU’s center of experiential learning, engaged research, and real-world problem-solving dedicated to the present and future well-being of our planet.

The school focuses on complex systems science as a common language and framework, a way of thinking and knowing, and as a set of skills required to address problems that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. We promote excellence in education and research in an integrated academic structure without unnecessary internal disciplinary barriers and by wide-ranging international collaborations.

Grown from the Global Biosocial Complexity Initiative at ASU and developed in affiliation with the Santa Fe Institute, the School of Complex Adaptive Systems develops solutions and suggests interventions that enhance resilience and stability of some of the most critical aspects of our shared global futures, with a focus on sustainability, health, economics, technology, social stability and innovation.

The Center for Behavior, Institutions and the Environment (CBIE) is a transdisciplinary endeavor to improve our understanding of effective governance of social-ecological systems by an increased understanding of the interactions of human behavior, institutional arrangements and the biophysical environment. We do this by comparative analysis of observational and experimental studies in different regions in the world within an international network of academics and practitioners.

Required Qualifications:

• Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in behavioral or social sciences and/or a related field by time of appointment. Applicants must be within five years of the doctoral degree award.
• Evidence of research background in quantitative data analysis and computational modeling.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience of transdisciplinary research of energy systems.
• Experience in grant applications and publications in high ranked journals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and be able to work in a diverse group.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.

To apply, candidates must submit the following materials electronically at http://apply.interfolio.com/145988  1) a cover letter; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a research statement (4 pages maximum); and 4) the names and contact details of three references. 

Deadline for initial review of complete applications will be September 1, 2024.  Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is closed.

Inquiries concerning the search should be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee: Dr. Marco Janssen, via Marco.Janssen@asu.edu.

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

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