[ES_JOBS_NET] UW Postdoctoral Position: Human Dimensions of Tidal Energy

[Kiki Jenkins]

UW Postdoctoral Position: Human Dimensions of Tidal Energy



            The Jenkins Research Team
<http://faculty.washington.edu/kikij/>at the University of Washington
in Seattle is seeking to hire a full time
(100% FTE) postdoctoral scholar for a research project on the human
dimensions of tidal energy. This position will be at the non-tenure track
rank of Research Associate and will be for two years.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

            This innovative project funded by a National Science Foundation
Sustainable Energy Pathways grant is using the Puget Sound as a case study
for developing a toolkit to assess the viability of commercial-level tidal
energy production. Devices capable of harnessing tidal hydrokinetic energy
are nearing commercial readiness. However, the tools to assess the
prospects for--and limitations of--large-scale, sustainable use of tidal
energy are underdeveloped and a comprehensive synthesis of pilot project
results has not been completed. In order to fill this knowledge gap, a
multi-disciplinary team of researchers is developing scenarios for
large-scale electricity generation from tidal currents in order to balance
the benefits of predictable, renewable power generation against engineering
feasibility, environmental compatibility, and societal considerations.
Specifically, the human dimensions component of the project examines public
values and perceptions of tidal energy and also explores the potential for
anticipatory governance of tidal energy. Anticipatory governance involves
an innovative set of techniques for engaging latent stakeholder
communities, identifying potential unintended consequences, and proactively
addressing societal concerns during the research and development process.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

            As a member of the Jenkins Research Team, the postdoctoral
scholar will join Dr. Kiki Jenkins and her graduate students at the School
of Marine and Environmental Affairs
<http://www.smea.washington.edu/>(SMEA), a renowned multidisciplinary
program with an emphasis in marine
social science. The postdoctoral scholar will take a leading role in
creating and administering a survey of public perceptions and acceptance.
By helping to guide the research of master's students, the postdoctoral
scholar will also be actively engaged in all other aspects of the project.
These include a case study of tidal energy in Washington State, embedded
research examining the interdisciplinary interactions between researchers
and their incorporation of societal concerns into their research, and a
scenario analysis with stakeholders about potential scenarios for
commercial level tidal energy production and governance. Additionally,
there is latitude in consultation with Dr. Jenkins for the postdoctoral
scholar to identify and pursue his/her own research interests within the
bounds of the tidal energy project. By the end of the two-year appointment,
she/he is expected to have submitted for publication at least two
first-author articles from the project and contribute to the publications
of other articles. He/she must also provide regular reports on the progress
of the research, take an administrative role in project oversight, and
occasionally guest lecture in SMEA classes. The postdoctoral scholar will
be expected to spend about 75% of her/his time on the tidal energy project.
The remainder may be spent as best benefits his/her professional
development, own research interests, or publication of dissertation work,
etc. A qualified applicant will have:

·         received  within the last six years a PhD in a sociology;
science, technology, and society; environmental studies or another relevant
social science field;

·         interest in (but need not have experience in) marine renewable
energy;

·         competence in qualitative research methods, especially survey
methods;

·         expertise in quantitative analysis of survey results.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

            To apply for this position, please send a CV, cover letter
detailing your qualifications for the position, and a list of three
references to Dr. Kiki Jenkins at kikij at uw.edu by March 23, 2014.
Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Ideally, the
position would start in June 2014. As a UW employee, you will enjoy a
competitive salary and generous benefits,  including work/life programs,
medical and dental insurance and retirement benefits. For more information
on the benefits for this position, please visit the UW Benefits Office's
web site<http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/benefits/forms/ben-summaries/faculty.pdf>.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer. UW faculty engage in teaching, research, and service.
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