Job description

Online/Remote

The Center for Hazardous Substances Research (CHSR) is seeking a full-time postdoctoral fellow with a background in Tribal Initiatives. The Participatory and Community Engagement (PACE) Fellow will work with the EPA-funded K-State Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) and Tribal Technical Assistance to Tribal Nations and Entities Addressing Brownfields Programs (https://www.ksutab.org/). K-State TAB and Tribal TAB provide education and technical assistance to Tribal communities interested in redeveloping environmentally or potentially environmentally contaminated properties. The purpose of the PACE Fellowship Program is to provide emerging professionals with applied, experiential learning in a Community of Practice dedicated to building their capacity to lead community engagement and participatory processes.
About Us

CHSR was established in 1989 and is part of the Carl R. College of Engineering at Kansas State University. The purpose of the center is to conduct research, education, and service pertaining to environmental topics, where a reputable, neutral organization is needed to develop technically sound, consensus-based solutions for various groups of stakeholders.

Topics of research and other activities include sustainability; environmental assessments and remediation; technical assistance to communities, defense agencies and other organizations; and international programs. Environmental assessment work involves proposed nonlethal defense technologies, and software tools for environmental decision making. Remediation research has focused on contaminated soil and water from agriculture, forestry, mining, and mineral processing, and other industrial activities. Service activities include providing free technical assistance to citizens and other stakeholders who are providing input on cleanup and re-use of EPA Superfund, Brownfield, tribal and other types of sites.

Please see the KSU TAB, Tribal TAB, and CHSR websites for more information about our work.
Worksite Option

This position is remote.

Work may be performed on employer premises, designated assignment location and/or performed fully in a remote capacity.

An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review. Review K-State’s remote work policy details for more information.
What You’ll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field of study (e.g., environmental science, engineering, or health; Native American/Indigenous Studies; social work; public health; adult education, learning, or community education; planning; other relevant fields).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge/experience in research methods, including quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods research design and data analysis, particularly within the areas of environmental science, engineering, or health; Native American/Indigenous Studies; social work; public health; adult education, learning, or community education; planning; or similar areas.
• Experience working in tribal settings or communities.
• Experience working with adult learners in professional, continuing, and/or community education settings.
• Experience with statistical software (SPSS) and/or qualitative data analysis software (NVivo or similar).
• Experience working both in-person and remotely with a team comprised of a variety of professionals from diverse fields (e.g., architecture, chemistry, education, engineering, planning).
• Experience with any of the following in a local government / tribal brownfields context: redevelopment planning, preparing environmental reports (such as Phase I and II ESAs), grant writing, community involvement, and economic development. Knowledge of and experience with Tribal Response Programs or other Tribal environmental programs.

Sponsorship eligibility:

This position is eligible for sponsorship.
How to Apply

Screening of Applications Begins

For best consideration, apply by August 01, 2025.
Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$59,000 – $61,000

How to apply

To apply, please visit: