Post Doctoral Associate - Climate Change Disinformation and Propaganda
University of Miami

Job Info

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The Climate Accountability Lab headed by Prof. Geoffrey Supran at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science has a funded opening for a full-time postdoctoral researcher. The researcher will apply quantitative and qualitative applied social science methods to one or more projects investigating the roles that legacy and social media companies, government agencies, academics, and other institutions and networks have played in mediating the public affairs campaigns of fossil fuel interests.

The research focus of the Climate Accountability Lab is climate change disinformation and propaganda. Specifically, we investigate the history, dynamics, impacts, and injustices of organized opposition to climate action, to elucidate the historical and sociological dimensions of the climate challenge and to inform initiatives to hold bad actors accountable. Past work has been published in journals such as Science, Nature, Environmental Research Letters, and One Earth. It has been covered by most major print and TV news outlets worldwide and continues to inform U.S. Congressional investigations and lawsuits.

Ongoing areas of research include the corporate capture of academia, the revolving door between fossil fuel interests and government agencies, and digital climate deception on social media and news platforms. The researcher will be part of a growing team of graduate and postgraduate colleagues. Most research projects will entail collaborations with other academic and/or non-profit organizations and will involve both academic publishing and extensive public outreach and engagement.

Candidates must have strong capabilities in relevant research methods, which could include a combination of quantitative and qualitative applied social science approaches. Relevant skills include statistical analysis and open-ended data mining (social network analysis will be particularly helpful); applied machine learning including Natural Language Processing; quantitative content analysis; qualitative discourse analysis; survey research; and archival research. Evidence of effective teamwork and communication skills is desirable. Experience investigating disinformation and organized obstructionism, climate change politics or communication, conflicts of interest, or social media narratives is ideal but not essential.

Qualifications of position:

Minimum educational qualification is a PhD or equivalent in fields including but not limited to environmental science, communication science, sociology, history of science, data science, and computer science. Expertise in any relevant topic will be considered.

Required application materials:

Cover letter, a one-page statement of research experiences and interests, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Applications should be submitted via the UM Careers website: https://umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCareerStaff/job/Miami-FL/Post-Doctoral-Associate---Climate-Change-Disinformation-and-Propaganda_R100063486

Please contact Geoffrey Supran at gsupran@miami.edu for additional information.

Start date/Appointment term:

As soon as possible. The position is for two years with the possibility for renewal.

Salary: $70,000 per year.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:
Full time

Employee Type:
Staff

Pay Grade:
r5