PhD assistantship in Climate Resilience and Coral Reef Conservation in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

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Agency

Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment

Location

Auburn, AL

Job Category

Graduate Assistantships

Salary

22,000 annually + benefits + tuition

Start Date

01/07/2023

Last Date to Apply

09/30/2022

Website

https://wp.auburn.edu/conservationgovernancelab/index.php/announcements/

Description

Description: The Conservation Governance Lab at Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment is looking for a competitive applicant for a PhD student assistantship on adaptive governance and climate resilience and coral reef conservation in the South Atlantic (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary) and in the Gulf of Mexico (Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary). View our lab’s up to date research project page here. This PhD will investigate the relationships between stakeholders and managers in coastal settings; examine climate resilience; stakeholder engagement and empowerment in these settings; and focusing on the policy, management, and institutions of coral reef management in the United States. Dr. Kelly Dunning, an expert in human dimensions of coastal systems, will serve as your PI. The student will receive mentorship in both science and public policy, which will make them very competitive for today’s job market. The candidate will work closely with scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, but be based in Auburn, AL.

Qualifications

Location: Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, 602 Duncan Drive Auburn AL 36839 Timeline: Spring 2023 (3 year assistantship, this fully funds a PhD tuition and living stipend (e.g. a salary with healthcare benefits)) Salary: This position pays a standard GRA stipend at Auburn University of $22,000 annually, benefits, and tuition fully covered by assistantship (legal right to work in the United States required, this position cannot sponsor a visa). Responsibilities: Serving as a teaching assistant and research assistant during spring and fall semesters, serving as a research assistant during summer semesters. Classes may include statistical methods, conservation law, habitat management, and other conservation-focused classes across different disciplines. Students must be confident that they can learn new things to achieve these interdisciplinary objectives. Last date to apply: September 30, 2022, interviews will be in October (or on a rolling basis for particularly strong candidates) Requirements: Relocate to Auburn to begin your program in person in spring of 2023 (start date January 1, 2023) understanding that being in person for research and coursework will be required. This will require proof of covid-19 vaccine per Auburn HR policy This will require legal right to work in the United States as I am unable to sponsor a visa for this position GREs are not required, but if they are provided they will be reviewed and considered as a positive aspect of the application only. Student must be in our offices Monday-Friday from 9 am-5 pm, except during school breaks and paid vacation time (2 weeks). A masters degree in public affairs, public policy, political science, economics, or another social science; biology; ecology; marine science; or a relevant field. This is an interdisciplinary degree, so you must be willing to take classes in both social and biological sciences. This takes enthusiasm and dedication. Quantitative/statistical skills or a willingness to learn. A demonstrated interest in some or all of these topics: environmental policy, conservation, human dimensions of wildlife, political science, economics, hunters and anglers, and public land. Experience working in marine conservation in Florida and/or Texas would help the student engage in the project’s case site but is not required. Some previous work experience (this can be hourly or salaried, experience in the service industry is acceptable as well and should be indicated on the resume). Relevant work experience is preferred but not required. A competitive GPA that shows ability to work hard in graduate and undergraduate. Strong letters of reference from 3 former supervisors, mentors, or professors including your direct supervisor from your masters program. Application instructions: Email the Conservation Governance Lab application submission email address at [email protected] with the following combined as a single PDF document. If you have a specific question about the application, this can be emailed to Kelly Dunning at [email protected]. Due to the large number of applications, Dr. Dunning cannot discuss the application process to applicants unless they are invited to interview. If the application does not follow these directions, it may not be reviewed. A 1-2 page resume A 1-2 page personal statement of why you are interested in this position, how your accomplishments meet these requirements, your willingness to pursue an interdisciplinary graduate degree, and your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Masters and bachelors transcripts (scanned copies will do, but official ones will be needed for the formal application to Auburn) A writing sample that shows that you are a strong writer. This can be of any length and for any purpose. Names and emails of three references. I will only obtain reference letters if the applicant is interviewed. It is strongly recommended that you apply as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the Conservation Governance Lab cannot provide individual feedback on any applications. The Conservation Governance Lab often interviews on a rolling basis when particularly strong applications come through and reserves the right to make offers early. About the lab: The Conservation Governance Lab is led by Dr. Kelly H. Dunning. Dunning holds a PhD from MIT in Natural Resource Management and an MSc from Oxford University Christ Church College in Environmental Policy. Her 2018 Fulbright-funded book, Managing Coral Reefs (Anthem Press), examines how communities manage biodiversity resources through policy. This assistantship would be ideal for someone looking to pursue a career in environmental policy, wildlife conservation, and natural resource management with a coastal resilience focus. Diversity and inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are major priorities of the Conservation Governance Lab, all applicants from all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and encouraged to apply. Please see the Conservation Governance Lab website for our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy. Service preference If you have a record of service (e.g. military (reservists welcome to apply), Peace Corps, Americorps) these experiences are viewed as highly favorable attributes of a candidate.

Contact Person

Kelly Dunning

Contact eMail

[email protected]

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