Recruiting

The Social Ecology Research Group is recruiting graduate students and post-docs for research on human-nature interactions in cities!

Urban planners are facing a growing challenge of assuring urban residents can access and enjoy the benefits of urban greenspaces in an era where development of such areas in and outside of the city is increasing. Our research group studies the complex challenges of enhancing human-nature relations in the Anthropocene to assure quality and accessibility of urban nature to city residents.

We are currently recruiting students (MSc and PhD level) and postdoctoral researchers to conduct research analyzing perceptions of urban residents regarding their nature experiences, including:

1.Conducting “focused walking” interviews with residents

2.Conducting survey-based research and focus group discussions with urban residents

3.Analysis of social network data (posts, photographs) tracking themes and changes in nature perceptions

 

Criteria for candidates (commensurate with level of applicant):

• Qualitative Research Skills: Experience with interview techniques (or willingness to learn), especially in conducting "focused walking" interviews (see Teff Seker and Orenstein 2018; Teff Seker et al. 2021). Skills in conducting focus groups, including designing and facilitating group discussions.
• Quantitative and Survey-Based Research Skills: Familiarity with survey design and administration. Statistical and data analysis skills for interpreting survey results
• Social Media and Network Analysis: Ability to analyze social media data, including familiarity with social network analysis tools and methods. Experience in qualitative coding and thematic analysis, especially for image and text data on social platforms.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills to engage with urban residents from diverse backgrounds. Ability to translate complex ideas into understandable terms for interviewees and survey participants.
• (For postdoctoral candidates) Project Management and Organizational Skills: Capability to manage and organize multiple research activities, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis.
• Academic Writing and Presentation Skills: Proficiency in academic writing and presentation for reporting results, potentially in both academic and public forums.
• Additionally, knowledge of urban planning, human-nature relationships, or environmental psychology is advantageous.
• For qualitative research, proficiency in Hebrew and English languages is mandatory; proficiency in Arabic is advantageous. Parallel research will be conducted in selected sites in Europe
• Graduate student applicants must meet the entry requirements for the Technion.

Interested candidates are invited to send a cover letter and a Curriculum Vitae to Prof. Daniel Orenstein.