Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Science Communication

About the role

The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, part of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar position in science communication as part of the Civic Science Fellows program, supported by the Rita Allen Foundation. The Civic Science Fellows program is a cohort-based initiative that supports emerging leaders in bridging scientific research with real-world civic impact. The successful candidate will focus on strengthening community-centered science communication and public engagement with science in Arizona.

Working collaboratively with ASU faculty and community partners, the postdoctoral scholar will co-develop and conduct applied social science research examining how scientists, institutions, and communities can engage more effectively, build durable trust, and support informed and inclusive decision-making. The scholar will have opportunities to conduct and disseminate applied research, develop partnerships with community organizations and other stakeholders, and translate research findings into practice. Additional activities may include developing workshops, toolkits, reports, or other resources for academic, practitioner, and community audiences and presenting project findings at professional conferences.

The position will be in-person on ASU’s West Valley campus. It is an 18-month fiscal year appointment with an annual salary range of $80,000–$85,000.

Responsibilities

• Co-develop and conduct applied social science research on science communication and public engagement
• Strengthen community-centered science communication and public engagement with science in Arizona
• Collaborate with ASU faculty and community partners on research and engagement activities
• Translate research findings into practice through workshops, toolkits, reports, or other resources
• Develop curricular modules for ASU’s emerging science communication programs using research and engagement findings
• Present project findings at professional conferences

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in communication or a related field at the time of appointment
• The candidate must be within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree

Requirements

• Research experience in science communication, civic science, public engagement with science, strategic communication, or a closely related area
• Experience conducting applied social science research using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods
• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with community organizations, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate research to both scholarly and practitioner audiences
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments
• Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with students from a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, including first-generation college students