Postdoctoral Scholar - Biophilic Nature-Connected Urbanism

The Natural Learning Initiative seeks a postdoctoral research scholar to advance the emerging interdisciplinary field of biophilic nature-connected urbanism: the planning, design, programming, research, and stewardship of interconnected urban green infrastructure that integrates ecological and human developmental systems, enabling meaningful relationships with nature across the life course and generations. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) provide a global framework, supported by international treaties and policy commitments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Social Determinants of Health.

The position builds on NLI's longstanding record of environment and behavior research and measurement; cross-sector professional development; learning resource production; evidence-based playful learning landscape design; universal co-design; and environmental quality assessment.

The underlying premise is that regenerating biodiverse, interconnected urban green infrastructure, although essential, is insufficient to sustain a healthy planet. Urban environments must also enable people to experience, engage with, enjoy, understand, and care for nature in everyday life. For nature connectedness to become embedded in individual identity and transmitted across generations, experiences of nature must begin in early childhood and continue throughout life. Accordingly, early childhood facility naturalization and associated systems change remain a primary NLI focus.

A central research proposition is that nature connectedness develops through networks of everyday settings repeatedly experienced across the life course-including homes, neighborhoods, childcare facilities, schools, parks, greenways, urban forests, campuses, workplaces, and civic landscapes. Together, these settings constitute developmental green infrastructure, supporting ecological functions while nurturing lifelong, intergenerational relationships with nature, expressed through arts, science, and community engagement embedded in nature-connected urban networks. In other words, urban landscapes must be planned, designed, managed, programmed, and assessed as ecological systems integrating nature and human development, inspiring cultural expression, to ensure intergenerational nature connectedness.

Postdoc major responsibilities may include:

The successful candidate will have the opportunity not only to conduct research but to help define, test, measure, communicate, and establish biophilic nature-connected urbanism as an emerging field of research and practice contributing to a nature-connected society.

If these works resonate, please apply for this unique position!

NC State University
NC State University, an R1 research institution, is located in the high-tech Research Triangle, alongside UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University, in one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. Raleigh is reputed to be a low-stress place to live.

NC State supports a high level of research activity and extensive doctoral programs. As the state's flagship land-grant institution, research tends to focus on impactful, real-world solutions, driven by innovations and collaborations that address global challenges. The university consistently ranks among the top institutions in the country for research expenditures and technology commercialization.

The Natural Learning Initiative
The Natural Learning Initiative ( NLI), based in the College of Design at NC State University (a land-grant R1 doctoral institution), advances research, design, professional development, and policy supporting environments for healthy human development and a healthy biosphere. NLI works across childcare, schools, parks, neighborhoods, communities, civic spaces, and other everyday environments to create equitable opportunities for engagement with nature. NLI was co-founded in 2000 by Robin Moore, architect and urban designer, Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, Honorary ASLA; and Research Professor Nilda Cosco, PhD, ASLA, NLI Director of Programs. Soolyeon Cho, PhD, is NLI Interim Director.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Department Required Skills:

Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating one or more of the following:

N/A

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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