Auburn University is seeking a dedicated and high-achieving researcher for its 2026 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Gulf Coast Resilience. This full-time position is situated within the College of Forestry, Wildlife & Environment and is designed to lead the “Building the resilience of Gulf Coast blue economies” initiative.
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By investigating how resilience is implemented across coastal economies in Mississippi and Alabama, the selected fellow will contribute to a high-impact project recommended for funding by the Mississippi Alabama Sea Grant. This is a premier opportunity for a social scientist to engage in community-based fieldwork that shapes the future of coastal sustainability.
Auburn Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Auburn University (USA) |
| Degree Level | Doctorate (PhD) |
| Salary | Starting at $55,000 per annum |
| Project Focus | Gulf Coast Blue Economies & Resilience |
| Application Deadline | February 16, 2026 |
About the Collaborative Conservation & Adaptation Planning Lab
The fellowship is hosted by the Collaborative Conservation & Adaptation Planning (CCAP) Lab, which focuses on climate justice, community sustainability, and resilience in natural resource-dependent regions. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Matthew Jurjonas and Dr. Chris Anderson, the postdoc will utilize Yin’s multiple case study methodology to evaluate the Gulf Resilience Community of Practice (CoP). This immersive role involves interacting with extensionists, government agencies, and NGOs to deliver actionable policy insights for the Southeastern U.S.
Benefits of Auburn Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
- Tier 1 (Financial): A competitive starting salary of $55,000 per year.
- Tier 2 (Research Support): An annual dedicated research and travel budget to support professional development and conference attendance.
- Tier 3 (Academic Growth): Opportunities to co-lead publications in high-impact journals and produce practitioner-focused policy briefs.
- Tier 4 (Networking): Direct involvement with the NOAA grants office and Gulf Resilience CoP, providing access to a broad network of coastal extension professionals.
Eligibility & Requirements for Auburn Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
- Academic Degree: Applicants must hold a PhD in Environmental Social Science, Human Dimensions, Geography, Sociology, Public Policy, or a related field by the start date (after April 1, 2026).
- Research Experience: Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods, including interviewing, coding, and case study design.
- Technical Interests: A strong interest in community resilience, adaptation strategies, and coastal blue economies.
- Publication Record: A proven track record of scholarly publications and strong academic writing skills.
- Collaborative Skills: Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs and government extension networks.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for Auburn Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
- Initial Inquiry: Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Dr. Matthew Jurjonas at
mdj0048@auburn.eduwith any clarifying questions. - Official Portal: All applications must be submitted via the Auburn University employment portal at auemployment.com/postings/57889.
- Cover Letter: Draft a maximum 2-page statement of interest detailing your research background and alignment with Gulf Resilience.
- Writing Sample: Include a published paper, thesis chapter, or technical report to demonstrate your writing proficiency.
- CV/Resume: Update your curriculum vitae to include all relevant social science research experience.
- References: Provide names and email addresses for three professional references.
- Deadline Tracking: Ensure all materials are uploaded by February 16, 2026, for full consideration.
- Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to discuss their research vision with the PI and Co-PI.
Expert Advice for Auburn University Postdoctoral Fellowship (STAR/SMART Methods)
- Use the SMART Method: When outlining your research goals for the fellowship, ensure they are Specific to the Gulf Coast context and Measurable in terms of publication output.
- Apply the STAR Technique: In your cover letter, describe a Situation where you managed a complex qualitative project, the Task of engaging diverse partners, the Action you took to bridge science and policy, and the Resulting impact.
- Highlight Community Engagement: Auburn values “participatory research.” Emphasize any experience you have with focus groups or co-produced workshops.
- Leverage the Land-Sea-Space Grant Status: Mention how your work will contribute to Auburn’s unique mission as one of only 17 institutions with this triple federal distinction.
Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
FAQ Section for Auburn Postdoctoral Fellowship
What is the starting salary? The salary starts at $55,000 per year.
When does the position begin? The start date is flexible but scheduled for after April 1, 2026 (Spring/Summer).
Is there a travel budget? Yes, an annual budget is provided for fieldwork and conference travel.
Which communities are the focus? Three focal communities in Mississippi and Alabama representing traditional and tourism-based blue economies.
Do I need my PhD in hand to apply? You must have it by the start date, though you can apply while a candidate.
What is the main methodology? Qualitative multiple case study design based on Yin’s methodology.
Is this a faculty position? It is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow appointment.
Where is the location? The primary location is Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.
How do I contact the PI? You can reach Dr. Matthew Jurjonas at mdj0048@auburn.edu.
Where can I get more USA postdoc alerts? Join the Scholarship Region WhatsApp groups for real-time academic career updates.
