Post Doctoral Associate - Psychology of Climate Change
University of Miami

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Post Doctoral Associate - Psychology of climate change communication and psychological inoculation against misinformation

The Climate Accountability Lab headed by Prof. Geoffrey Supran at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science has an exciting opportunity for a full time Post Doctoral Associate in the area of psychology, communication, or political science focused on climate change narratives and psychological inoculation against climate change misinformation. The researcher will use multi-pronged and multidisciplinary approaches - including online survey experiments and field studies - to examine how different climate change narratives and psychological inoculation strategies against misinformation influence perceptions of climate change, emotional engagement, social norms, belief systems, and resilience against propaganda. The position is ideal for individuals with strong backgrounds in Psychology, Psychological and Behavioural Science, Sociology, Communication Studies, Environmental Studies, and other fields with a focus on survey research and analysis. The researcher will be part of a growing team of graduate and postgraduate colleagues and will collaborate with psychologists and non-profit organizations on survey design, data collection, analysis, academic reporting, and public outreach and engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement survey experiments to investigate the effects of different climate change narratives and misinformation inoculation strategies on emotional responses, attitudes, and beliefs, and pro-environmental behavior.

• Integrate theories of psychological inoculation against misinformation and environmental psychology principles into survey design and data interpretation.

• Lead data collection and statistical analysis.

• Collaborate with colleagues to refine research questions, approaches, and methods, and to publicly communicate research insights.

• Prepare peer-reviewed articles, white paper reports, and presentations.

• Contribute to grant proposals and other funding opportunities.

• No mandatory teaching duties.

Required qualifications

• Minimum educational qualification is a PhD or equivalent in fields including but not limited to Psychology, Psychological and Behavioural Science, Sociology, Communication Studies, Environmental Studies, Political Science, and others fields with a focus on (online) survey experiments and analysis.

• Strong capabilities and experience in online survey design, administration, and data analysis.

• Demonstrated proficiency in statistical analysis of survey data using, for example, R or Python.

• Demonstrated knowledge of misinformation research, psychological inoculation theory or prebunking, and experience in environmental psychology.

• Strong publication record in relevant topics such as environmental psychology, environmental communication, climate change misinformation, or psychological inoculation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with ethical considerations in survey research and data privacy standards.

• Experience using social media data in psychology research, such as integrating social media content into online surveys or combining social media behavior data with online survey data.

• Familiarity with discourses of climate change denial and delay, climate change politics, climate obstructionism by fossil fuel interests, and other relevant fields.

• Experience working with interdisciplinary research teams or in cross-sector collaborations (for example between academia and NGOs).

Start date/Appointment term

As soon as possible. The position is for one year with the possibility for extension. Exceptional performance can lead to promotion to a permanent, non-tenured research staff role.

Required application materials

Cover letter, a one-page statement of research experiences and interests, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.

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:
A9