Doctoral Research Assistantship in Sustainability Science

Colleagues, Bob Brown, the dean of the College of Natural Resources, very kindly shared this with us. If you have a student with an interest in this field, encourage them to apply ASAP, as the sponsor wishes to locate a student immediately.

Doctoral Research Assistantship in Sustainability Science

Maine's Sustainability Solutions Initiative (SSI) at the University of Maine offers unprecedented opportunities for graduate students to experience a truly interdisciplinary learning experience through a $20 million, 5-year program funded by the National Science Foundation's EPSCoR program. The SSI's mission is to create an integrative research program and strong stakeholder partnerships to generate improved solutions to intersecting ecological, social, and economic challenges in and beyond Maine. For more information, visit www.umaine.edu/sustainabilitysolutions.

One SSI project is an interdisciplinary research program focused on the social and ecological aspects of tidal power development. We seek a Social Science doctoral research assistant interested in working on sustainability science research focused on understanding how to effectively link knowledge to action for the responsible development of tidal power. Some key research areas on this project are (1) stakeholder perceptions related to tidal energy development, (2) data collection on the potential social and economic impacts of tidal power development, and (3) the development of stakeholder and community engagement models to effectively link scientific and community knowledge for improved decision-making related to tidal power development. This research is ongoing and a student is needed immediately.

Qualifications:

A degree (preference given to individuals with an Master's) in anthropology, human ecology, sociology, geography, communication, or a related social science field; excellent GPA and GRE scores; strong communication and writing skills; and the ability to work collaboratively with a large and diverse group of researchers and stakeholders. Candidates should also have some experience collecting and analyzing social science data. Some background in a natural science is preferred, but not required. Support includes a fellowship of $20-25,000/year for three years, a tuition waiver, subsidy for health insurance, and funds for field research.

Application Procedures:

Please submit the following information to Teresa Johnson, Assistant Professor, University of Maine, teresa.johnson@maine.edu with subject line "SSI Tidal Power Research Assistantship."

·         A letter detailing your interest in this position specifically and the goals of the SSI in general;

·         A resume;

·         Scanned GRE scores and transcripts; and

·         Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references familiar with your academic and research history.

Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For more details on SSI, visit the project website at: http://www.umaine.edu/sustainabilitysolutions/

The University of Maine is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to maintaining an intellectually and culturally diverse faculty and staff.

Kim Raymond
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
SENATOR GEORGE J. MITCHELL CENTER
for Environmental & Watershed Research
University of Maine
5710 Norman Smith Hall
Orono, Maine 04469-5710
ph:             207-581-3244       / fx:             207-581-3320     

www.umaine.edu/WaterResearch

www.pearl.maine.edu