PhD Assistantship—Human Dimensions of Deer Management and Chronic Wasting Disease Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

Start Date: August 2019

Last Date to Apply: 21 April 2019

Description & Qualifications

The Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, housed in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota is recruiting a Ph.D. student with an interest in the human dimensions of wildlife management. The student will work closely with researchers at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on topics associated with white-tailed deer management including but not limited to hunters’ and residents’ perceived risks from chronic wasting disease, and hunter recruitment, retention and reengagement.

The ideal candidate will have experience conducting large scale statistically representative quantitative assessments of natural resource stakeholder’s values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Candidates with a Master’s degree in human dimensions or applicable social science discipline and demonstrated ability to conduct human dimensions research are preferred, but it is not a requirement. The student will be expected to pursue coursework in the social sciences including but not limited to psychology, sociology, political science and economics, as well as advanced multivariate statistics. A primary interest in the application of social science theories and methods to natural resource management issues is a requirement. The position will begin August, 2019 and funding is available for up to 4 years depending upon student performance.

Interested parties should send a cover letter, CV, and list of 3 professional references to Dr. David Fulton (dcfulton@umn.edu) at the Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Dr. Adam Landon (Adam.Landon@state.mn.us) with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In the cover letter the applicant should address their research interests and experiences, their career aspirations, and fit for the position with particular attention to human dimensions research. Applications review will begin April 11th, 2019.