CU Population Center–NCAR Integrated Science Program
Research Associate (Post-doctoral)
“Migration, Urbanization & Climate Change Across Scales”
The University of Colorado Population Center (CUPC) & National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Integrated Science Program (ISP) announce recruitment for a Research Associate (Post-doctoral) position in cross-scalar research on migration, urbanization & climate change.
The full-time Research Associate will work with both CUPC & NCAR researchers on projects bridging institutions. Relevant CUPC & NCAR research includes:
-household-level modeling of migration processes as related to environmental change;
-vulnerability & resilience of urban regions in the face of environmental change;
-the role of migration & urbanization processes in shaping emission trends;
-integrated assessment modeling of emissions & climate change, linking socio-economic & natural science.
Central & Latin America represent key geographic areas of interest given ongoing research in both CUPC & NCAR, although other areas of focus will be considered.
This postdoctoral research program has been developed to 1) contribute to the emerging body of population-climate research, 2) grow the pool of scientists qualified to work at one of the areas of the interface between population-climate dynamics, & 3) increase & strengthen collaborations between CUPC affiliates & the NCAR Integrated Science Program scholars. Thus, the program will pair recently graduated PhDs with host scientists at both CUPC & NCAR to work in areas of mutual interest.
Applications must include a clearly articulated, 5-page research proposal outlining relevant cross-scalar, population-based research that integrates, or expands upon, topics within CUPC & NCAR research agendas related to migration, urbanization, & climate change. Selection will be based on scholarly potential & compatibility with the interests of Program mentors.
Advanced contact with potential mentors at NCAR & CUPC is required (list below). The interested mentor will submit a plan to the Search Committee for cross-institution collaboration.
-Lori M. Hunter, CUPC
-Leiwen Jiang, NCAR
-Brian O’Neill, NCAR
-Hua Qin, NCAR
-Fernando Riosmena, CUPC
-Patricia Romero-Lankao, NCAR
Example projects that may bridge institutional interests include:
-Examination of environmental drivers of household-level migration as a factor in Mexico’s regional urbanization, emissions trends, & vulnerability;
-Use of household-level historical census data within a specified region or nation to lend more precision to estimates of migration streams as related to environmental factors;
-Examination of the spatial dimensions of vulnerability to climate change, particularly in coastal areas, in order to better inform macro-scale modeling of climate & socioeconomic futures
-Cross-scalar interactions between demographic & socioeconomic factors as determinants of both emissions & vulnerability to environmental stress.
The appointed Research Associate will be an employee of CU-Boulder but will be located at either Boulder institution as determined by project needs. Candidates must be United States citizens or permanent residents of the US at the time of application. The positions are one-year fellowships, renewable for a second year, & include a fixed annual salary & benefits. Salary dependent upon qualifications.
Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in social science (e.g., anthropology, demography, economics, public health, sociology, geography) or other relevant discipline. Preference is given to those who have held a PhD for no more than three years. Application screening begins November 1, 2011. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled. Qualified applicants who are ABD as of January 1, 2012, but who expect to complete their PhD requirements by June 1, 2012 will be considered for the position. To apply, go to
UC Boulder is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, racial & ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities & veterans.