Kendall Fellowship: Agroecological solutions for drought risk and cost

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Kendall Fellowship:  Agroecological solutions for drought risk and cost

Food & Environment Program
Union of Concerned Scientists

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the leading science-based organization at the center of today’s most exciting and important policy debates, seeks outstanding candidates for the Kendall Science Fellows program. This up to two-year fellowship is open to early to mid-career candidates who will have completed their Ph.D. before October 2015. The Fellow will conduct research to quantify the potential impacts of future drought scenarios in U.S. agricultural regions—particularly (though not exclusively) the Midwestern Corn Belt—and to identify the extent to which a shift to ecologically based farming practices and systems could mitigate those effects. The Fellow’s project will examine impacts on the sustainability of farmlands and rangelands, food production, and farm profits, as part of a broader effort to understand and communicate the climate, environmental, and economic impacts of agroecological practices. The Fellow will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop and execute a strong research project, and will work with UCS staff to craft policy recommendations and present the work to media, policymakers, experts, and the public.

The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. Our members understand that scientific analysis—not political calculations or corporate hype—should guide our efforts to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. The Kendall Science Fellows Program was established to honor Nobel Prize winning physicist Henry Kendall who was with UCS from our beginnings and was the long-time chair of our board.  Dr. Kendall was known for his unique ability to shake up the status quo and catalyze new thinking, and UCS looks to Kendall Fellows to do the same. Priority will be given to innovative and forward-looking proposals that are primarily scientific, technical, or analytic in nature but also show interest in the application of science to policy. Fellows will benefit from the opportunity to learn from the UCS approach to science and policy, and UCS will benefit from the new approaches and expertise of the Kendall Fellows.

Responsibilities

The Kendall Fellow will spend up to two years conducting original analyses and evaluating existing research in order to comprehensively assess (1) that the degree to which agroecological practices could contribute to mitigating the risks and impacts of drought, (2) how changes to management could affect the U.S. agricultural landscape and food system, and (3) how public policies could facilitate such a shift.  This research will be a critical component of a broader assessment of the potential for agroecological practices to help address some of society’s greatest challenges—from climate change and environmental sustainability to hunger and poor nutrition.  In fulfilling this role, the Fellow will:

• develop or adapt a model to quantify the impacts of drought on critical U.S. agricultural regions and to  assess the potential benefits of incorporating agroecological practices such as cover crops, expanded crop rotations, and integration of crops and livestock;
• monitor relevant ongoing research and incorporate as needed into modeling and analyses;
• collaborate with economists and others to determine the likely consequences of changes to agricultural lands on food production and society under various climate and agricultural management scenarios;
• communicate findings at one or more major science meetings, generate peer-reviewed scholarly publications, and contribute to reports in formats appropriate for the media and policy makers;
• serve as a spokesperson for UCS and the Kendall Fellows program.

Qualifications and experience

The Kendall Fellow should have numerical modeling experience and expertise in hydrologic, agricultural and/or environmental  sciences. The fellow must have the skills and desire to work with a hydrologic model capable of resolving  impacts of altered rainfall regimes, changing temperatures, and land management on water resources and agricultural productivity.  Knowledge or interest in topics including drought, sustainable agriculture, and climate change is highly desirable.  Excellent written and verbal skills are essential, as well as an interest in science communication, policy, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

A Ph.D. in hydrology, agroecology, or a related scientific or engineering field is required.  Postdoctoral and mid-career level scientists are welcome to apply.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff, particularlyto broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time, up to two-year position based in UCS’s Washington, DC, office. Fellowship will begin October 2015. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about UCS is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

To Apply: Please submit a short application, including a statement of interest (up to 2 pages, including relevant background and experience, a brief description of a research idea in the selected area, and interest in working with UCS), curriculum vitae, and two references to jobs@ucsusa.org including “Kendall Fellowship” and “F&E” in the subject line.  Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: November 18, 2014 or until filled.

Review of initial applications will begin November 4, 2014. Following an initial screening, top candidates will work collaboratively with UCS staff to develop a more detailed and specific fellowship proposal for submission to the Kendall Science Fellows Program Advisory Committee by January 6, 2015. Final decisions on the award of this competitive fellowship will be made by late January, 2015.