The Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy is a university-wide research center that is the intellectual home for interdisciplinary, community-based policy research and outreach. Housed at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, the Center builds upon the legacy of Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall and their work in environmental policy and governance.
The open Postdoctoral Research Associate two-year position continues this legacy through support of upcoming researchers who want to make a meaningful contribution to environmental policy with real world impact.
Position Description
This position provides a unique opportunity to work as part of a team that engages in applied research and outreach on public policy topics relating to environment, public health, public lands, environmental regulations, and energy transitions. Current research priorities are in water governance, including transboundary water governance, PFAS policy, and co-stewardship. There is considerable room for the postdoctoral researcher to design and implement their own research initiative under this broad umbrella of environmental governance.
Because the Udall Center is a mentor-certified center at the University of Arizona, the position has a team-mentoring approach to supervising. The successful candidate will be mentored by the Environmental Policy Program faculty team and in turn will have opportunities to mentor students in different projects and programs.
Candidates from geography, environmental policy, planning, political science, sociology, anthropology, or other related fields are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
- PhD in related field
- Preferred: Experience with research in US regulatory systems, multilevel governance, collaborative governance, and public participation
- Enthusiasm for studying environmental policy and natural resources governance
- Comfort working in teams, leading team meetings, and mentoring students
- Collaborative and problem-solving spirit
- Strong methodological skills
- Record of published research in this area
Position Details
The Postdoctoral Research Associate position is a full-time position with full benefits. The target hire date is August 16, 2027, and the expected end date is August 12, 2029. The candidate must be able to work in Tucson, Arizona with flexible hybrid work arrangements.
The position requires engagement in qualitative and/or quantitative research in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. The candidate will develop and, when appropriate, oversee project design, and write literature reviews for proposals and publications. The position requires synthesis and integration of work across diverse bodies of public policy, geography, political science, and other relevant fields.
Application Requirements
- CV
- Cover
- Letter of Interest
- 1 writing samples (e.g., thesis or dissertation, term paper, or manuscript)
Applications should be submitted through the University of Arizona’s website where a more detailed description is available. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2026.
