APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Plant Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in socio-technical studies to analyze critical aspects of technology adoption in rural communities. The scholar will work with Dr. Siela Maximova on a funded project conducting an integrated assessment to evaluate the feasibility of implementing technologies for bioeconomy in forest-protecting value chains for tropical forests, as well as in bioproducts and bioprocessing development in the Amazon.
Responsibilities include conducting socio-technical analysis, community assessment, and data analysis in collaboration with researchers from Penn State and other institutions. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish research findings in international peer-reviewed journals, present research at conferences and meetings, and generate regular project update reports. Mentorship and professional development opportunities will be provided and tailored to the researcher’s career goals.
Applicants must have a PhD in rural sociology, sociology, geography, or a related field, with experience in mixed-methods social science research in rural settings, including conducting interviews, focus groups, and analyzing survey data. The candidate should be able to conduct independent research, manage projects, and be familiar with agricultural and forest systems, socio-technical studies, sustainable livelihoods approaches, and/or bioeconomy value chain analysis. Strong oral and written communication skills, a record of peer-reviewed publications, and experience working with interdisciplinary, international teams are required. Portuguese language proficiency is preferred.
Interested applicants should upload a single PDF containing a cover letter detailing scientific interests, qualifications, and future goals, and a CV including contact information for three references. Application review will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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