Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral AssociateDepartment of Fish and Wildlife ConservationVirginia Techbeginning Spring or Fall 2025.Principal Investigator: Ron Meyers, Ph.D.A postdoctoral position (2.5-3 years) beginning either in Spring or Fall 2025 is available to examine siting and permitting processes for large-scale solar (LSS) energy facilities in the US. The position is part of a 3-year project, entitled Fast and (or?) Fair: Are Rapid and Equitable Processes for Large-Scale Solar Development Mutually Exclusive? Ron Meyers is the PI for a team of three faculty, and a graduate student and undergraduate student at Virginia Tech. It includes Zhenshan Chen, Assistant Professor in Agricultural and Applied Economics, and Ralph Hall, Professor, Director, Undergraduate Studies for the School of Public and International Affairs. Our team is connected with dozens of faculty advancing the study of sustainable siting of large-scale solar photovoltaic facilities, agriphotovoltaics, and especially in the development and testing of meaningful stakeholder engagement processes. We are part of a larger, five-institution team led by Doug Bessette at Michigan State University. The project is funded by the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO)'s Solar Energy Evolution and Diffusion Studies (SEEDS 4) program and will study how the streamlining of LSS siting processes to meet climate policy goals may produce unintended consequences, especially if processes result in power imbalances and reduce opportunities for meaningful community engagement. This project includes collaborators from institutions across the US and will examine how LSS siting processes can be accelerated while also reducing community burden and enhancing opportunities for deliberation and inclusion. The postdoctoral associate will be responsible for 1) Coordinating project logistics and team activities (i.e., conducting mixed-methods social science research at 2 proposed LSS sites in Virginia); 2) supporting other research activities in projects as needed and aligned with the postdoctoral candidates skills and interests 3) contributing to overall project management, dissemination of results, collaboration, and publication. The research will work to identify best practices around community engagement, siting and permitting, land use decision-making, and community benefit packages, to inform the build-out of LSS in the US.The position requires travel to conduct field research in Virginia, and present results at conferences in the U.S.Required Qualifications? Ph.D. and an outstanding academic background in social sciences related to fish and wildlife conservation, natural resources, geography, sociology, economics, rural studies, policy science, or a closely related field? Knowledge of social science concepts sufficient to oversee planning and day-to-day administration of quantitative and qualitative research activities across Virginia? Skills in leading collaborative teams? Excellent communication skills? Excellent organizational skills? License to operate a motor vehiclePreferred Qualifications? Previous research experience focused on renewable energy in the US., especially in utility-scale solar energy? Strong GIS skills? Skilled in basic webpage development? Potential for publication in prestigious journalsAppointment Type? RestrictedSalary InformationBetween $50,000 and $52,000/academic year depending on experience and expectations. The position provides health insurance and other benefits.Review DateFebruary 7, 2024Interested students should email Ron Meyers at  using the subject line, "Interest in Postdoctoral Associate position: SEEDS 4". In your email, identify why you are interested in the position, provide a brief summary of your experience and qualifications, and provide an email and phone number for a reference we can contact.Additional InformationThe successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.About Virginia TechDedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million inresearch annually.Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jennifer Phillips at during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, andmaintaining a competent and diverse work force. 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Created: 2025-01-31