Job Description
The Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community Solutions/Environmental Finance Center (SU- CSCS / EFC ) seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to help lead research and the implementation of sponsored programs (i.e., grants) funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ), the Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY - ESF , and others. Grant and research focus includes sustainable materials management (i.e., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling), natural resources management, environmental sustainability, climate change, emerging contaminants, and environmental finance. The Postdoctoral Researcher will develop and facilitate research to increase knowledge and deepen understanding about issues and solutions related to SMM , water resources, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ). The Postdoctoral Researcher will also provide support to NYS stakeholders and communities to help advance the adoption of SMM practices, especially those related to plastic pollution reduction, microplastics, and recycling systems. Tasks will include but are not limited to gathering and analyzing data, providing technical assistance, developing tools and resources, facilitating outreach and engagement, creating digital communications, and writing grants. This is a 40-hour per week, year-round position. This position will be based in Syracuse, NY. Periodic travel throughout NYS will be required. The Postdoctoral Researcher will report to the Center’s Assistant Directors.
Responsibilities
Support the mission and vision of the SU- CSCS / EFC , the “Center”, by helping to lead grant-funded environmental and community focused projects throughout U.S. EPA Region 2 (i.e., New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight native nations). Support the Center’s Assistant Directors with assessing and improving the environmental, social, and economic services it provides to NY communities and beyond. Support the Center’s Assistant Directors with internal organizational operations including team communications, meeting coordination, database management, and file organization. Foster the development of professional skills, expertise and knowledge, and career goals of the Center’s student interns through mentorship and by cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment. Support and strengthen synergistic partnerships in NY that enhance the Center’s capacity and programming and that benefit its partners and stakeholders and their communities. Contribute to the Center’s SMM -related communications through its websites, social media accounts, press releases, informational flyers, e-newsletters, and annual reports. Incorporate approaches to all Center-related work that strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Coordinate NY-based projects, activities, and tasks related to environmental/community sustainability, SMM , water resources, and emerging contaminants. Lead the development and facilitation of research initiatives by collecting and analyzing data related to NY-based waste issues and SMM systems, including recycling systems, plastic pollution, single-use materials, and emerging plastic alternatives (e.g., bioplastics), as well as water resources and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ). Develop publications and other communication/educational outlets for research outputs and participate in conferences by presenting research findings and/or other Center-related work. Design and facilitate technical assistance and training opportunities for key stakeholders in rural and urban communities to advance SMM , recycling, and plastic pollution reduction throughout NY. Coordinate meetings, trainings, conference sessions, data collection activities, tours, litter clean-ups, and more, including planning, logistics, promotion, facilitation, and follow-up. Co-coordinate and facilitate NY-based SMM stewardship programs that educate, train, and support college faculty and students and K-12 teachers and students. Develop resources, tools, educational materials, outreach communications and designs, and other outputs and deliverables for NY-based programs. Convene stakeholders, industry professionals, and research groups by scheduling meetings, facilitating communications, taking meeting notes, and managing group documents. Incorporate experiential knowledge, current scientific research, and up-to-date industry best practices into projects, activities, outputs, products, and deliverables. Develop and implement feedback mechanisms (e.g., surveys) for project partners, stakeholders, and audiences served by Center projects and programs. Utilize program evaluation methods and metrics to assess successes, impacts, and opportunities for improvement for Center projects. Help identify new funding opportunities for NY programming related to environmental sustainability, SMM , plastic pollution, and more. Conceptualize new project ideas related to SMM , recycling, plastic pollution, and single-use materials and integrate them into grant proposal applications for future funding opportunities. Develop project and activity reports for work conducted, grant deliverables completed, and qualitative and quantitative impacts.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in civil/environmental engineering, environmental science, natural resources management, sustainability, or closely related focus, and experience working in the field(s) of waste reduction, sustainable materials management, natural resources management, environmental education, sustainable development, and/or environmental consulting.
