Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the fields of Economics, Social Sciences, or Ecology to join an interdisciplinary research project titled Indigenous Communities and Species Conservation: Examining the Role of Nature-Based Practices in Promoting Ecosystem Services. This project delves into the intersection of indigenous traditions and biodiversity conservation, with a focus on a pastoral community in India. It investigates how nature-based indigenous practices contribute to the preservation of wild carnivores, such as leopards, and the promotion of vital ecosystem services. The ultimate goal is to generate actionable insights for conservation policy interventions that foster sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife. The successful candidate will work with an international team comprising of Shadi Atallah (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign), Sahan Dissanayake (Portland State University), and Adrian Lopes (American University of Sharjah).
Key Responsibilities:
- Designing choice experiment surveys.
- Perform econometric analysis of choice experiment data.
- Literature reviews on indigenous practices and biodiversity preservation.
- Coauthor high-impact academic papers with the research team.
- Mentor undergraduate and graduate students contributing to the project.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Economics, Social Sciences, Ecology, or a related field.
- Strong background in data analysis, particularly econometrics and choice experiments.
- Experience with analysis of field data from developing countries is highly preferred.
- Excellent writing skills and a demonstrated ability to produce publishable research.
- Ability to work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary project.
Salary and benefits are competitive. Salary would be commensurate with the candidate’s academic qualifications, research profile and experience. In addition, benefits would cover medical insurance, on-campus housing with utilities, indemnity, annual leave, flight tickets, and work visa fees.
Application Instructions:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until February 15, 2025. Applicants may upload the following documents at the EconJobMarket link and/or the AUS ad link.
- Cover letter highlighting relevant research experience and career goals.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Up to two publications / writing samples.
Remote interviews will be conducted through the Zoom platform for shortlisted applicants through February 2025. Interested candidates may also contact Adrian Lopes at alopes@aus.edu for further queries about this posting.
About the American University of Sharjah, UAE: Situated near Sharjah International Airport in the expansive University City area, and only 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport, AUS is located in a dynamic and cosmopolitan area that includes abundant opportunities for travel, entertainment, cultural experiences and natural beauty. Salary and benefits are competitive. American University of Sharjah is a not-for-profit, independent, coeducational institution of higher education formed on American models but thoroughly grounded in Arab culture. Located in University City, Sharjah, AUS offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 5,800 students from approximately 90 nations. English is the language of instruction and the workplace.
AUS has been ranked among the top 10 Arab universities by QS World University Rankings every year for the past 10 consecutive years. AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division in the United Arab Emirates. AUS has been accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004.
About Sharjah and the UAE: The United Arab Emirates is home to close to 10,000,000 people from more than 200 nationalities. Sharjah is the third most populous of the UAE’s seven emirates after Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Located adjacent to Dubai, Sharjah is widely regarded as a center of culture and education and serves as home to an industrious and dynamic population. Like the UAE, Sharjah provides a safe and comfortable environment that provides easy access to the UAE’s many beaches, the Hajjar Mountains, a multitude of leisure establishments, all within a short driving distance. Given the country’s location and robust transportation infrastructure, travel to Asia, Africa and Europe is easy. These are advantages that are easily accessible given that Sharjah takes facilitating work-life balance seriously as is evidenced by it having recently instituted a four-day workweek.
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Job market paper
- Additional paper (optional)
- Letters of reference: 2