Junior Research Scientist

Junior Research Scientist

 

Global Research Institute

 

 

 

Unit Mission Statement

The Global Research Institute (GRI) empowers teams of William & Mary students and faculty to make a difference in the world. We are a multidisciplinary hub that applies scholarly research to real world problems, investing in outstanding student and faculty scholars to catalyze new insights and cultivate the next generation of global leaders. Based in the Office of the Provost, GRI supports a whole of university approach to advance W&M by developing ideas, convening partners, creating and analyzing data, and inventing new methods. The Institute’s approach to incubate and scale and applied research helps researchers push research frontiers and produce insights that matter at W&M and beyond. At any time, under the auspices of the Institute there are several research projects, most grant-funded, with the largest being AidData.
 

Position Summary

The Global Research Institute (GRI) at William & Mary invites applications for a 2-year Junior Research Scientist in Geospatial Agricultural Analysis, beginning in fall/winter 2022. This position will focus on developing geospatial and biophysical models to support food sovereignty for Indigenous communities in Virginia and surrounding areas. A successful candidate may possess knowledge of Indigenous food systems, agriculture, nutrition, health equity, as well as spatial data acquisition and modeling. Additionally, a successful candidate may have contributed to participatory action research and/or worked with Indigenous data sovereignty protocols. This position is designed to support Indigenous communities, strengthen GRI’S research capacity in this area, increase the diversity of our scholarly community, provide a mentored learning experience to the Junior Research Scientist, and support and provide research opportunities for undergraduate students. GRI seeks to attract promising researchers with diverse backgrounds and experiences that will contribute significantly to the academic mission of William & Mary and GRI.

 

The Junior Research Scientist will support active research on Indigenous food sovereignty at GRI and fully integrate into GRI’s thriving interdisciplinary research community. This candidate will lead several research manuscripts and will receive direct support from a team of undergraduate researchers. This candidate will also receive mentoring from faculty members and researchers on various professional development activities such as building a successful research team, pursuing funded research, navigating the scientific publishing process, presentation skills, classroom instruction, and managing personnel. This position will be open until filled, with a review of applicants beginning on November 18th, 2022.

 

The Junior Research Scientist will receive an annual salary of $58,000, office space, library access, and other benefits including comprehensive health insurance. Residence in Williamsburg or surrounding area is preferred but other arrangements will be considered (such as hybrid).

 

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

EDUCATION:
Current or recent master’s degree from an accredited institution in agricultural/environmental science, geography, public health, epidemiology, nutrition, public policy, Indigenous studies, or another relevant field. Degree must be earned by the time appointment begins (fall/winter 2022). 

 

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of research methodology, principles, practices and protocols. Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise. Demonstrated skill in advanced quantitative methods training and/or expertise in geospatial analysis, statistics, survey research, and data visualization. Demonstrated ability to build and pursue a research agenda that makes use of spatial models that draw from primary data and secondary data. Demonstrated experience working with one or more programming/statistical languages, software, and tools, such as R, Qualtrics, LaTeX, QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, and Python. Demonstrated ability to effectively organize, prioritize, and navigate multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, providing a high-level of attention to detail and accuracy.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to a diverse population of faculty and staff, in order to communicate clear goals and expectations.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

EDUCATION:

• Ph.D., degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution is preferred. Degree must be earned by the time appointment begins (fall/winter 2022).

 

EXPERIENCE:

 

• Experience working with Indigenous communities whose traditional territories are occupied by the USA/Canada.
• Engaged in applied/policy research that is directly relevant to improving the health and sovereignty of Indigenous communities.
• Experience working collaboratively on applied/policy research projects with multi-disciplinary teams
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and/or presenting research at scientific conferences.
• Experience preparing grant proposals and securing external research funds.

 

Application Instructions

Candidates must apply via the William & Mary Employment Opportunities portal. For more details and to apply, please visit https://jobs.wm.edu/postings/50934. To apply, candidates will be required to submit: curriculum vitae, cover letter, 2 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement answering 1) Why does this position interest you? 2) Why do you feel you are exceptionally qualified? 4) Goals and expectations for this position and 5) How does this position fit into your career aspirations? Personal statement should be no longer than two pages, single spaced, Times New Roman 11-point font.

 

Conditions of Employment

This is a restricted position subject to availability of funding. 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

 

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The College is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

 

Background Check Statement

 

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.