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Postdoctoral Scholar position in Corporate Social Responsibility / Sustainability at Oregon State University

  • 1.  Postdoctoral Scholar position in Corporate Social Responsibility / Sustainability at Oregon State University

    Posted 05-25-2022 21:21


    Postdoctoral Scholar in Corporate Social Responsibility / Sustainability at Oregon State University 

     

     

    Sustainability sells. So, corporations tend to exaggerate the positive social and environmental attributes of their products to gain a competitive advantage. This phenomenon of "greenwashing" is well known but has seldom been studied at the inter-industry level. Sometimes, entire industries coordinate efforts to position their products and services as greener than those of a competing industry. The wood industry and the concrete industry are amid such a war of virtues in the building sector, which contributes to about 40% of global CO2 emissions. Arguments about environmental benefits abound on both the wood and the concrete side.  

     

    I seek to hire a postdoctoral researcher for a two-year appointment to utilize this context to gain novel insight into how competing sustainability narratives emerge, sustain, and evolve amidst inter-industry competition. Candidates with disciplinary expertise in such wide-ranging fields as corporate social responsibility, corporate sustainability, organization studies, sustainability and environmental sciences, industrial ecology, circular economy, environmental laws, sustainable buildings, sustainable built environment, life-cycle analyses, macro-economic, and social-ecological systems modelling are welcome to apply. Regardless of their expertise, the ideal candidate will have the motivation to address audacious questions critical to embed scientifically informed sustainability practices among private sector companies.  

     

    The chosen candidate will work with me and be placed in an inter-disciplinary environment of the Forest Ecosystems & Society department at Oregon State University where we develop leading-edge interventions for sustainability and sustainable management of natural resources. Oregon State University is classified as "R-1: very high research activity institution" and is located in Corvallis. 

     

    Applicants should have strong skills in conceptualizing, developing, and executing qualitative, quantitative, or conceptual research at micro, organizational, or macro levels.  

     

    Minimum/required qualifications: 

    • A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline obtained within the last three years. ABDs can apply   
    • Fluency in English 

     

    Preferred qualifications: 

    • Prior publications in peer-reviewed journals  
    • Experience conducting independent research 
    Notes:
    1. The annual salary is in the 55000 (USD) range plus benefits  
    2. The position can begin anytime between September 2022 and January 2023  
    3. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled  

     

     To apply, please e-mail the following to rajat.panwar@oregonstate.edu

    • A full CV  
    • Statement of interest, including a brief explanation of what novel inquiries you are motivated to pursue through this opportunity 
    • Contact information for two references (reference letters not needed at the time of application) 

     

     Inquiries are welcome. 

     

     

    Rajat Panwar, PhD 

    Associate Professor (Sustainable Business) 

    College of Forestry | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | USA 97331 

    Associate Editor, Business & Society 

    Webpage: https://directory.forestry.oregonstate.edu/people/panwar-rajat-0