Ph.D. Research Assistantship in environmental policy, planning and sustainability at the University of New Hampshire 

Catherine M. Ashcraft, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH USA

I am accepting applications for a Ph.D. position to begin fall 2016 focusing on the social dimensions of sustainability science as part of the University of New Hampshire’s interdisciplinary Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Ph.D. Program (http://www.unh.edu/nressphd/). This research is part of the New England Sustainability Consortium (NEST) new stakeholder-engaged, solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research program focused on the future of dams (www.newenglandsustainabilityconsortium.org/dams). The project includes faculty and students from the University of New Hampshire, Keene State University, University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Design with expertise that spans and integrates the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, and design. Our approach to problem solving is strongly dependent upon, and benefits from, the local knowledge and know-how of diverse stakeholders representing government, business and industry, and non-governmental organizations, which includes very strong partnerships with tribal communities.

Applications are welcomed from Masters graduates working in the fields of environmental studies, natural resource management, planning, political science or a related field, and who have a strong commitment to interdisciplinary and applied research, an inquisitive nature, strong communication skills, demonstrated abilities to work well both as part of a group and independently, and fluency in English. The research will include collaborative knowledge production, stakeholder engagement, and the use of science in decision-making and experiences with interviews and qualitative research are highly desirable.

The position includes a full tuition waiver, an annual stipend (9-month academic year and 20 hr/wk over the summer), and health insurance for 3 years (with the possibility of an additional year of RA or TA support). To apply please send the following items to Dr. Catherine Ashcraft (catherine.ashcraft@unh.edu): (1) short statement (1000 words maximum) describing your research interests and qualifications, including your academic preparation; (2) CV; and (3) unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and graduate). Please put “NEST PhD” in the subject line. Review of applications is ongoing and, if interested, please apply as soon as possible. Candidates who are short-listed will need to submit full application materials; see more information at http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/php/posd.php?major=QN75. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.