The Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the context of a multi-year research project, entitled Community Research on Climate and Urban Science (CROCUS), a flagship project from the US Department of Energy to create a network of Urban Integrated Field Laboratories for the study of climate change in local urban communities across the US. The project is led by Argonne National Laboratory with the University of Chicago and other higher education institutions in the greater Chicago area, as well as four community partners.
The position will begin as soon as possible, and no later than September 1, 2023. We are particularly interested in individuals with an established record of relevant research and experience in local climate change in cities, and of community engagement using methods of climate and urban science.
CROCUS involves an exciting and diverse set of collaborations between university researchers, climate scientists, city officials, and community organizations to co-produce knowledge about local climate adaptation. The ideal candidate will be able to engage on multidisciplinary and stakeholder collaborations and define and address questions of common interest.
CROCUS is designed to conduct novel observational science and create highly accurate climate models. This information will interact with the experience and priorities of local communities to generate new insights on current and future urban climate actions at the street, neighborhood, and regional levels. The ideal candidate will collaborate with others in the project to develop both fundamental knowledge and practical tools responsive to the needs of diverse local communities and applicable to urban spaces across Chicago and around the world, with a goal of faster, fairer and more equitable local sustainable development outcomes.
Postdoctoral appointments at the Mansueto Institute are especially tailored to provide exceptional emergent scholars and practitioners with a unique nurturing environment that includes advanced technical training and provides a platform for interdisciplinary research. We search for approaches strongly grounded in scientific reasoning and novel methods and data, rigorous comparative analysis of urban phenomena across space and time, the identification of fundamental principles and theory development based on the processes that create and sustain cities and generate sustainable development across scales.
Appointments
Institute Postdoctoral Scholars are full-time appointments for two years with the possibility of annual extensions by common agreement.
Scholar Benefits and Expectations
Institute postdoctoral scholars will enjoy:
- a discretionary budget for research expenses and relocation costs;
- interdisciplinary career development, mentorship and support;
- resources for organizing and hosting an annual working group on a theme of special strategic interest and potential in urban science and/or practice.
As part of their professional development, scholars are expected to:
- Actively interact and collaborate with other researchers, faculty and students at the University and beyond, preferably in multi-disciplinary teams;
- Giving at least two public talks, lectures, or performances on campus in the course of the academic year;
- Currently, full-time scholars will receive a yearly salary of $67,500 with benefits but less any deductions required by federal, state or University regulations.
Selection Criteria
Postdoctoral Scholars
Applicants are required to hold a PhD by the their start date.
Apply by submitting the following materials to ehlee@uchicago.edu:
- a cover letter specifying the candidate’s specific interest in the Mansueto Institute’s mission and the goals of CROCUS;
- a 1-page research statement, specifying their intended work at the Institute and how it is expected to advance urban science and/or practice;
- an up-to-date c.v., including links to current work and projects;
- 3 letters of reference.
- Letters of reference may be sent directly to ehlee@uchicago.edu.
All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.