Research Specialist II

As a newly founded entity at Rice University, the Center for Coastal Futures & Adaptive Resilience (CFAR) works to center social scientific research as a dynamic and integral part of adaptive resilience. Based in Rice’s School of Social Sciences, CFAR integrates the diverse methodological expertise of allied fields, faculty and partners to empower research and engagement that cannot be achieved through individual effort or technological innovation alone. Launched in 2024, we pursue this mission through research relevant to Houston, the Gulf region, and coastal areas worldwide. Current foci include: Coastal Industrial Communities; Urban Infrastructure Futures; Climate Adaptation; and, Disaster Recovery & Resilience.  More detail about the Center can be found at https://cfar.rice.edu/.

We invite applications for a Research Specialist whose research illuminates social dimensions of current climate challenges as they intersect with ongoing efforts to ensure more just and equitable futures in a changing world.

Position Summary

The Research Specialist conducts independent research and manages research projects and related tasks and deliverables in the Center for Coastal Futures & Adaptive Resilience (CFAR). Communicates the results of scientific research through web posts, online professional outlets, and presentations. Supervises undergraduates / graduate student researchers and maintains a safe and efficient work environment.

The Research Specialist will work with the Co-Directors of the Center to produce original research, reports, and online deliverables relevant to the Center’s ongoing development. (A recent example can be found here in The Conversation.)

This is a one-year term limited position with the possibility of extension based upon need and available funding.

Workplace Requirements:

This position may be considered for a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration.

Fully remote work schedule may be considered in special cases. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Salary: $60,000 / year

In addition to an annual salary of $60,000, there is an additional $5,000 allowance for research and relocation.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

This position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Political Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning or any other discipline or inter-discipline in Social Sciences
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• Skills:
  • Proficient, comprehensive knowledge of data management 
  • Skilled in ArcGIS, with adjacent skills in Python, SQL, Stata or R
  • Logical and independent mind with excellent analytical skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the capability and interest in leading and assisting in the production of online reports and center-related content (such as for The Conversation)
  • Good interpersonal skills such as patience, determination, flexibility, and decisiveness
  • Ability to work in a team environment, including with community partners as well as academic researchers
  • Motivation to participate actively, to collaborate and to motivate others in working with the center.

Essential Functions

• Develops, manages and advances center-relevant social science research projects and reports
• Communicates the results of scientific research through written reports, web-based infomatics, and verbal presentations
• Actively engages in improving the center's reputation and scientific capacities
• Assists in seeking new research grants and developing related proposals
• Supervises and/or trains student researchers affiliated with the center
• Maintains harmonious, productive communications with community partners
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Political Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, or any other discipline or inter-discipline in Social Sciences

Eligibility

• There is no citizenship requirement or restriction for this fellowship. Non-U.S. nationals are welcome to apply.
• Employment eligibility verifications requested upon hire.

To apply, please combine the following materials into a single PDF: 1) cover letter: 2-3 pages describing research interests and experience in language appropriate for multidisciplinary panel of reviewers; 2) curriculum vitae with at least 2 references listed at the bottom with contact information

Application review begins April 28, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Please send all application materials electronically to CFAR@rice.edu. 

 

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

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Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Apply