Post-Doctoral Research Associate - CAS Math Bio Synthesis Center

The NSF Center for Analysis and Prediction of Pandemic Expansion (APPEX) within the University of Tennessee welcomes applications for a post-doctoral research associate to investigate social dynamics within collaborative scientific teams. Funded by the US National Science Foundation, APPEX is a national research center dedicated to advancing mathematical and computational modeling of social systems relating to pandemic expansion, promoting groundbreaking team science, and enhancing inclusivity and diversity in the mathematical and epidemiological workforce.

The work will focus on the effects of social, cultural, and intellectual diversity within scientific groups on group dynamics, group performance, and group creativity. The aim of this endeavor is to enhance basic understanding of social dynamics in diverse collaborative teams and to articulate a set of practical, evidence-based practices and principles for guiding the scientific teams of the future relating to pandemic expansion.

The successful applicant will become part of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to investigating the use of philosophical and evidenced based concepts and methods to enhance communication and collaboration in interdisciplinary research. Responsibilities will be divided between (a) designing and implementing research on the communicative and collaborative aspects of APPEX cross-disciplinary team science in a variety of contexts, e.g. traditional social and biophysical science, health science, environmental science, (b) disseminate research results in publications, presentations, and other accessible formats, and (c) collaborative delivery of workshops and the collection of associated data.

Qualifications:

Requirements:

- A Ph.D. in a social science field, philosophy with a social science emphasis, or an interdisciplinary field that includes a social science component by the time of the appointment.

- Research experience in some combination of social psychology, statistical methods, mixed methods, program evaluation research, small group dynamics, philosophy of science, communication theory

- Technical skills for data analysis and visualization, strong skills in social science mixed methods research design and implementation, including ethnography, interview-based research, survey design, as well as quantitative and qualitative statistical methods analysis.

- Ability to interact with members of other disciplines and integrate concepts from related fields.

- Ability to write clearly and scientifically (e.g. to produce drafts of papers for publication in scientific journals and web-based public outreach without too much oversight); evidence of successful prior publication is preferred

- Experience, knowledge, and training in the tools and techniques used in the Science of Team Science (SciTS).

This is a full-time, one year position, with the potential for renewal if things work out well. Ideal start date: Oct 1, 2024. To apply, submit your application through the Taleo application system, including a CV and cover letter. Additionally, candidates may send an email to Elizabeth Strand at estrand@utk.edu containing your application documents. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive.