Position Summary

Postdoctoral (Research Associate) Position at Michigan State University

The Michigan State University Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Collaboration, Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in convergence research and practice starting June 15, 2026. The position is part of a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research project focused on agri-solar landscapes and interdisciplinary team dynamics.

The postdoctoral associate will work under the guidance of Professors Lissy Goralnik and Megan Halpern. Both scholars specialize in interdisciplinary collaborative process, knowledge integration across difference, and place-based social-ecological problem-solving. The project is a component of a large transdisciplinary research team that includes expertise in ecology, hydro-geology, engineering, agriculture, landscape architecture, and environmental ethics, as well as industry, nonprofit, and community partners. The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

The primary role of this position will be to prepare the team for the NSF Phase I reverse site visit, whereby they make a pitch for Phase II funding based on epistemic productivity and knowledge integration toward convergence. Responsibilities of this position include: meeting documentation; retreat design; workshop facilitation; project evaluation; mixed methods data collection (interview, focus group, and survey) and analysis; manuscript preparation; and public presentations. The postdoctoral scholar will play a key role in identifying, articulating, evaluating, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaborative capacity and team efficacy. Additional training and professional development opportunities relevant to the postdoctoral associate’s career goals will be available through the MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (https://postdocs.msu.edu/).

This is a full-time in-person position available for up to one year.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -PhD in Sustainability, Natural Resources, Sociology, or similar environmental social science degree.

Minimum Requirements

PhD in Sustainability, Natural Resources, Sociology, or similar environmental social science degree. 

• PhD in hand or expected prior to start date of June 15, 2026.
• Previous training in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary facilitation and scholarship
• Experience with the NSF Convergence program
• Previous research on renewable energy systems
• Publication track record in inter- and trans-disciplinary scholarship
• Strong skills in qualitative data collection and analysis
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including journal articles, professional presentations, workshop facilitation, and large-team deliberative process

Desired Qualifications

• Project management experience
• Experience with projects from inception to completion
• Curiosity about pluralistic perspectives
• Patience and creativity in problem-solving settings
• Knowledge about or experience with complex social-ecological problem-solving across contexts

Required Application Materials

Please include (1) a cover letter explaining how this position aligns with your career goals, with a detailed discussion of your experience; (2) a complete CV; (3) statement of research goals summarizing your research interests and experience to date; and (4) names and contact information for three references. 

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/csus/

Department Statement

Please address questions regarding this position to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Lissy Goralnik, Department of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University: goralnik@msu.edu.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.