Postdoctoral Associate

A Post-doctoral Associate position is available for an economic wildlife conservation geographer to work on project BC23026: Transforming CBNRM by revitalizing the Wildlife Economy, Governance, and Capacity in Communities led by Dr. Brian Child in the Department of Geography to begin as early as August 2023.

We have a position available in our group to work on (1) the development of empirical economic tracking of the wildlife economy in southern Africa including hunting and tourism (2) development of IT-based tools and (3) application of research and technical results towards regional policy formation. We are looking for individuals familiar with the wildlife economy on private, public and community lands, with analytical as well as numerical experience in wildlife economy, and willing and able to work with stakeholders and partners in remote areas in Africa for long periods to undertake research, training and capacity building work.

The objective of this position, financed by a Jamma gift, is to support the development of methods for tracking and evaluating the wildlife economy in southern Africa, including through community-based natural resource management. The position will require extensive travel to southern and East Africa and experience working with African stakeholders in universities, state agencies, communities, and NGOs. The key roles of this position are as follows:

The Department of Geography particularly welcomes applicants who can contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. Please see https://diversity.clas.ufl.edu/diversity-statement/ for more information about diversity and inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university and greater Gainesville communities enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

The candidate should have a PhD in Geography, Interdisciplinary Conservation, or related subjects. He or she should have specific skills in wildlife economy (financial and economic analysis) and in developing IT-based management information systems to support the tracking and analysis of the wildlife economy. 

The candidate should be familiar with working in Africa and have the ability and stamina to work with stakeholders and in the field in remote locations.

The candidate should have experience in the socio-economic evaluation of protected areas, community conservation, institutional economics, and hunting and tourism businesses.

The candidate will be required to collect and analyze field data in partnership with state, private and public agencies, and requires the skills to design and develop monitoring instruments, with a focus on the use of technology (e.g., tablet computers, Kobo Toolbox, SMART, etc.). 

• Ph.D. in Geography, Inter-disciplinary conservation, or the like
• At least two years of field experience in Africa, preferably in southern Africa

For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.

A complete application includes (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant's qualifications, interests, and suitability for the position, (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) a statement on research and impact goals, and (4) the names and email addresses of three references must be provided. An email will be sent to your references, requesting them to upload their confidential letter to the submission packet.

Application review will begin July 1st , 2023 and the position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be reviewed at this time. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority.

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law. If an accommodation due to disability is needed in order to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).