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This postdoctoral research opportunity, supported by the Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center at the University of Washington, represents a partnership between the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington (USA) and the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada). The postdoctoral position is open to individuals who have earned a PhD (or equivalent) and are able to legally work in either the United States or Canada.  Due to rules associated with the funding source this position cannot provide visa sponsorship.

The Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center (https://oceannexus.uw.edu) is an international research program involving over 20 partner and affiliated institutes around the world working to develop evidence-based policies for equitable ocean and society. As a Postdoctoral Scholar funded by the Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center, this emerging scholar will have the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals across a wide range of disciplines and expertise, with a shared goal of making a difference to the field of ocean governance. The ideal Postdoctoral Scholar will thrive in team settings, be able to work independently, and be open to interdisciplinary conversations, questions, and approaches.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will engage in policy analysis and policy research projects that reflect the diverse range of topics explored by scholars within the Ocean Nexus network. Priority skills for the Postdoctoral Scholar include experience with 1) evaluating economic outcomes in the context of coastal and fishing communities and 2) conceptual frameworks for policy analysis. An ability to conceptualize equity within such empirical analysis and policy analysis frameworks is also highly desirable.

Specific daily activities may include:

• Designing and implementing empirical economic analysis and/or policy analysis projects in partnership with Ocean Nexus researchers and/or research teams
• In collaboration with Ocean Nexus partners, designing and implementing approaches for evaluating policy options that build robust social safety nets for fishing communities faced with environmental, political, and economic uncertainties;
• Collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing economic and policy research on a range of ocean-related topics
• Drafting and collaborating on manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and reports
• Developing conceptual frameworks and assisting with literature reviews
• Collaborating with and mentoring policy analysis research assistants
• Preparing and delivering presentations

Candidates from groups that are historically underrepresented in academic research are strongly encouraged to apply.

Postdoctoral scholars at the University of Washington are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website. A postdoctoral scholar appointment is for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including postdoctoral experiences at other institutions. 

For the successful applicant who can legally work in the United States, this position will be based at the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington. For interested applicants in Canada, this position will be based in the Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and applicants should submit application materials through Dalhousie University.

The Postdoctoral Scholar position at the University of Washington, will be supervised by Dr. Grant Blume, Associate Teaching Professor at the Evans School and Deputy Director for Policy Analysis at Ocean Nexus. The Postdoctoral School will be invited to collaborate extensively with Ocean Nexus Co-Principal Investigators based at the University of Washington (Dr. Blume) and Dalhousie University (Dr. Wilf Swartz) and their respective research teams. Travel funds will be made available for the Postdoctoral Scholar to travel between Seattle and Nova Scotia multiple times a year

This position is for a one-year appointment with an opportunity to renew for an additional year if successful in the role and if reappointment would not exceed the time in title constraints noted in the union contract. 

For US applicants to the UW, the base salary range for this position will be $4,480-$5,065 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. A benefits summary is available here:  https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/benefits-postdoc-scholar-fellows-2022-V1_a11y.pdf

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will begin August 1, 2022.

• PhD (or equivalent) in public policy, economics, environmental economics, or an equivalent field.
• Excellent writing, research, and analysis skills
• Good organizational and project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and on research teams
• Interest in public policy and economic analysis related to oceans and ocean governance

To be considered for this position, please compile and submit the following:

1. Cover letter briefly describing your interest in this post-doctoral position, your qualifications for the position, and your professional goals.
2. Current resume or CV.
3. Three names and contact information for references. At least one reference must be an academic reference from your doctoral dissertation committee. Letters of reference will be requested for short-listed candidates.
4. A recent sole-authored writing sample.
5. Copies of transcripts and/ or proof of academic good standing (transcript of highest degree conferred; proof of academic good standing on official letterhead and signed by graduate program director, advisor, or equivalent).

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University's Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member's academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

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Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under University of Washington (UW) Policy, University-compensated personnel must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.

About University of Washington

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public institutions in the west coast and one of the preeminent research universities in the world. The University of Washington is a multi-campus university comprised of three different campuses: Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. The Seattle campus is made up of sixteen schools and colleges that serve students ranging from an undergraduate level to a doctoral level. The university is home to world-class libraries, arts, music, drama, and sports, as well as the highest quality medical care in Washington State and a world-class academic medical center. The teaching and research of the University’s many professional schools provide undergraduate and graduate students the education necessary toward achieving an excellence that will serve the state, the region, and the nation. As part of a large and diverse community, the University of Washington serves more students than any other institution in the Northwest.

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