Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Ethnography

The Center for Ethnography at the Colorado School of Mines invites applications for two Postdoctoral Fellowship positions in environmental social sciences with expertise in ethnography.

The Center (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). is a new hub at Mines that emphasizes community partnerships, collaborative research and public writing on major social and environmental issues in rural America, including the American West and Western Arctic. We are currently engaged in several high-profile projects. Postdoctoral Fellows will work with Center leads to consolidate Center activities and assist in developing, planning, and conducting research on Center initiatives.

Candidates should have strong expertise in ethnographic methods and environmental social sciences; collaborative and archival research skills; and a commitment to impactful scholarship that is legible to and benefits partner communities. Experience working with rural or Indigenous communities is preferred.

The successful candidates will be offered a one-year, full-time Postdoctoral Fellow position, with possibility of extension if funding is secured. Review of applications will begin on March 15, and continue until filled. The start date is flexible but expected to be August 1, 2026. The positions will be located in the Center for Ethnography at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, with expectations of travel for fieldwork.

The Fellows will be supervised by senior research faculty.

• Plan and conduct research activities under supervision of faculty advisor
• Submit monthly reports of research activities and findings
• Work with the team to submit grant proposals and research papers
• Coordinate Center activities, including one annual gathering and one topical symposium

• PhD in sociocultural anthropology, sociology, environmental studies, science and technology studies, or related field
• Expertise in ethnographic methods and environmental social science
• Experience with research in the American West or Western Arctic, with rural and/or Indigenous communities, preferred

Please combine the following materials into a single PDF, and submit through the institutional website:

• Cover letter specifying qualifications, interest and experience;
• Current CV;
• Names and contact information for three references;
• A writing sample no longer than 20 pages.

References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made. Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, dorie.gelber with any questions about this opportunity.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

$65,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our research faculty positions!

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care options
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits…