The Water Institute (https://globalfutures.asu.edu/global-water-institute/) at Arizona State University (ASU) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to establish a collaborative initiative on U.S. wastewater access and conduct research on policy and management aspects of wastewater equity.

The position will be shared between the Water Institute (Dr. Upmanu Lall) and the Water Equity Lab (SGSUP, Dr. Maura Allaire, https://sgsup.asu.edu/). The initiative focuses on the growing wastewater crisis in the U.S. and future of infrastructure, both centralized and decentralized. Despite the prevalence of wastewater system failures and climate-driven risks, little is known about the social dimensions of infrastructure failure or the impacts of climate change. This effort aims to identify governance drivers of wastewater failure under current and future climate conditions as well as the societal impacts of failure. This will be achieved using a combination of statistical modeling and participatory stakeholder research.

This is a benefits-eligible, full-time, 12-month position, with no tenure implications. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the opportunity for renewal contingent on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The anticipated start date is September 2024 (later date is negotiable).

Essential Duties:

• Analyze and interpret large datasets on wastewater access and failure, using econometric methods;
• Assist with household survey design and development of in-depth interviews;
• Examine survey and interview responses, using quantitative and qualitative approaches;
• Coordination of research across ASU campus and external collaborators (NCAR, UNC-Chapel Hill, University of Alabama);
• Assist with long-term data management and archiving; and
• Prepare reports, academic/public presentations, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications

Required:

• Applicants must have a recent Ph.D. (within the past four years) in geography, water resources engineering, economics, urban planning, political science, environmental management, or a related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated expertise in water policy, wastewater systems, and/or utility management.
• Strong computational skills, including spatial analysis and statistical modeling.
• Demonstrated interests and experience with household surveys and/or interviews.

Desired:

• Ability to aggregate and process large data sets.
• Proficient in the use of statistical programs (e.g. R, Stata).
• The ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others on a multi-disciplinary research team.
• Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills (including spoken/written English).

The initial deadline for accepting applications is August 13, 2024. If not filled, reviews will occur every week thereafter until the search is closed. Only electronic submissions will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To apply for this position, submit the following required application materials.

• Letter of interest outlining qualifications and experience as it relates to this position.
• A complete curriculum vitae.
• The names and contact information of three references (name, position, title, organization, email, and phone number).