Associate Remote Social Science Jobs in Wisconsin

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Scientist III
Job Summary:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is an engine of scientific discovery, with researchers working across the spectrum of agricultural and life sciences. Academically, the college offers research-based, hands-on teaching of undergraduates; world-class graduate programs rich in research and project assistantships; and short courses, workshops and other programs. Our outreach activities bring the work of the college to Wisconsin businesses, organizations and communities throughout the state. Learn more about CALS.
The Department of Community and Environmental Sociology (CES) focuses on a wide array of issues from environmental degradation and globalization to sustainability and local food systems. The faculty is made up of an interdisciplinary group trained in fields ranging from sociology to science and technology studies and environmental studies. CES is an engaged group whose work, while theoretically informed, is often directed at intervening in and affecting real-life situations.
This position will take the lead on the social sustainability of farm labor research of the Soil Health and Agroecological Living Lab (SHALL), as well as providing additional capacity in the qualitative and mixed methods research of SHALL and its SHARE (Soil Health Alliance for Research and Engagement) partners. The main foci of the work will be:
A. Identification of knowledge gaps and prioritization of high-impact, collaborative, and social science research and outreach efforts on agroecological living.
B. Understanding the social, policy, economic, agronomic, and other constraints/determinants of use of soil health practices and agroecological living, especially their relation to well-being social sustainability.
C. Taking the lead on SHALL's research and outreach on agricultural labor and workforce development to enhance the social sustainability of farming in Wisconsin and beyond.
D. Understanding the opportunities and barriers for increasing soil health practices among diverse farm operators and farm employees.
E. Better comprehension of how soil health and agroecological living are perceived and practiced across diverse farming and other communities.
F. Developing stronger relationships working on soil health and agroecological living between academic, farm, and other stakeholders/partners across Wisconsin, extending public understanding of the relevance of agroecological living.
Key Job Responsibilities:

• Collects and analyzes highly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures

• Serves as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders providing expert level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

• Identifies research problems and develops highly complex research methodologies and procedures. Publishes and presents results to help advance research

• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit and staff and resolve routine personnel issues

• Identifies, writes, or assists in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding

• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials and, disseminates information to appropriate entities

• Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures

Department:
Department of Community & Environmental Sociology
Compensation:
The minimum salary for this position is $80,000. However, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf
Required Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of post-PhD professional or research experience
• At least 4 years of professional experience in the social dimensions of agroecology, focusing on farm management and farm labor management in organic and other forms of sustainable agriculture
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative social science research methods, but with the ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in mixed methods projects
• Experience with successful grant writing
• Experience working with budget development
• Experience with successful project implementation, including data management
• Experience working with Spanish-speaking rural populations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience cultivating relationships and partnerships within and across the farm labor landscape
• Experience effectively organizing workshops and events
• Demonstrated interest, through research and/or publication, in social issues of agroecological living
• Experience in public communication of environmental social science
• International experience in agroecology, especially Latin America

Education:
PhD in Environmental Studies, Sociology, or closely related discipline, with an emphasis on agroecology and social sustainability
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents into the one attachment field. All listed application materials must be received to be considered.
Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.
It's important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.
Additional Information:

• Criminal Background Check may be required
• A 12-month evaluation period may be required
• 50% FTE - 100% FTE

Work Schedule:
Normal hours are 7:45am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekends may be required for this position.
Contact Information:
Sonia Parker, CALS HR Generalist
sonia.parker@wisc.edu
608-890-2547
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.