Postdoctoral Scholar, Blum Center on Poverty, Inequality, and Democracy

The UCSB Blum Center on Poverty, Inequality, and Democracy seeks a postdoctoral scholar to contribute research and operational support for the Center's core research objectives. The Blum Center fosters interdisciplinary, socially engaged research and learning about the inequities that shape contemporary social and economic life and obstruct the aspirations of democratic societies. The Center's work is intended to contribute to collective action that advances intersectional economic and social justice in the South-Central Coast region of California (where UCSB is located), the United States, and globally.

Working under the supervision of the Blum Center director and in collaboration with working groups composed of interdisciplinary faculty and community-based partners, the Postdoctoral Scholar will contribute to two ongoing research initiatives during the course of the appointment. The Central Coast Regional Equity Initiative (CCREI) is a collaborative, community-engaged project designed to inform regional efforts to advance social, political, economic, and environmental justice in the tri-county region comprised of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. The project builds from a comprehensive database documenting structural inequities related to employment, wages, and work conditions; health, education, and services; housing; immigration and citizenship status; environmental vulnerabilities; and political and civic representation. The Organizing Knowledges Project (OKP) brings academics and community-based practitioners together to generate systematic, experience- and theory- based studies of organizing as a strategy for building political and economic power within historically marginalized communities and otherwise advancing intersectional equity and democracy. The position also provides opportunities to conduct independent research.

Project responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with the CCREI team to conduct research that deepens understanding and facilitates policy and organizing to address political economic inequities across the South-Central Coast region.
• Assist with developing the CCREI website, making it broadly accessible, and establishing protocols for maintaining and periodically updating the database of regional equity indicators.
• Conducting workshops to facilitate use of the Central Coast Regional Equity Database and related resources among community and campus constituents.
• Data collection and analysis, in coordination with the "organizing knowledges" research teams, with a focus on power mapping and aligned research efforts meant to understand the structured power relations that impede the achievement of community-centered campaigns and goals.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

To apply for this position applicants must have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Social Sciences, History, or allied fields, except the dissertation, by the time of application.

• Ph.D. conferred by the anticipated appointment start date
• Ph.D. conferred within the past five years

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Data management experience
• Website construction/management
• Basic knowledge of a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and associated data requirements. We especially welcome applications from candidates with training and expertise in areas of special concern to the Central Coast region, and to our initiatives, including housing, agricultural labor, and climate justice.
• Experience collaborating with students, academic faculty, administrative staff, and community partners
• Ability to work with diverse communities
• Experience with community-engaged research
• Basic knowledge and experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based data collection and analysis, or willingness to learn.

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Applicants should provide the names and contact information for 3 or more references and must request letters of reference within the system in order to complete application requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.