PhD Assistantship in Ecological-Economic Modeling - University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
The Oleson lab in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) within the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) seeks applicants for a fully funded, 3-year PhD position, starting January or August 2017. The project, funded by NOAA, is part of the Pacific Regional Integrated Science and Assessment (http://www.pacificrisa.org/) <http://www.pacificrisa.org/)>, an effort to provide management-relevant integrated science to decision makers. The student would join a dynamic Pacific RISA team that includes hydrologists, meteorologists, climate modelers, economists, lawyers, and social psychologists. The objective of the Oleson lab-led project is to evaluate the economic impacts of climate variability and change on ecosystem goods and services on the island of Maui. This student will use ecosystem service modeling and valuation to assess trade-offs and opportunities from climate change, climate variability, and adaptation in Hawaii. The work will integrate spatial biophysical and economic modeling to produce spatially explicit estimates of ecosystem goods and services and their values under alternative scenarios to support management decision-making. QUALIFICATIONS: The applicant must have strong quantitative biophysical modeling skills (ecology, hydrology), experience in geographical information systems software, excellent oral and written communication skills, and a strong interest in developing new skills. Successful applicants will demonstrate their ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team as a constructive collaborator. In addition, applicants who have experience in Hawaii, have experience in both ecological and economic modeling, have published in peer reviewed journals, or those with experience in conducting valuation studies and/or interviews are especially well qualified. Applicants must meet the minimum criteria for admittance into the NREM PhD program, and should have a Master’s degree or equivalent level of experience. EXPECTATIONS: The selected individual is expected to work with a team to build integrated biophysical-economic models; design and conduct surveys/interviews on the island of Maui (e.g., valuation studies); carefully manage data; submit as lead author or co-author one paper per year to a quality peer-reviewed journal; present research findings at regional and international scientific meetings; seek out and apply for external funding; produce reports and materials required by funders; mentor Masters and undergraduate research assistants; adhere to lab norms (e.g., regarding authorship, data sharing, open communication); and actively participate in lab projects, activities, and meetings. SUPPORT: The stipend is ~$25,000 per year. Tuition is fully covered by the University of Hawaiʻi. LOCATION: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa <http://manoa.hawaii.edu/> is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, a vibrant, culturally diverse community that offers unprecedented opportunities for outdoor activities, as well as a lively urban environment. As part of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources <http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/>, students in NREM become immersed in the study of tropical natural resource management issues. The NREM <http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/nrem/> department is interdisciplinary, with a vibrant student body and diverse faculty members. APPLICATION: To apply, please send a two-page cover letter describing how your career goals and experience/qualifications make you an ideal fit for the position. Also attach your CV, unofficial transcripts, and names of three references. Send to kole...@hawaii.edu <mailto:kole...@hawaii.edu>. Applications received by November 1, 2016 will receive full consideration for January 2017 admission. If no suitable applicant is found, applications will be accepted until April 15, 2017 for Fall 2017 admission. QUESTIONS? Feel free to contact Dr. Kirsten Oleson with questions about the position, and also check out our lab web site (www.olesonlab.org <http://www.olesonlab.org/>). A full description of the NREM PhD program can be found here: www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/nrem/students/phd.html <http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/nrem/students/phd.html> : : : : : : : : : Kirsten L.L. Oleson Assistant Professor of Ecological Economics University of Hawai'i Manoa Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management http://www2.hawaii.edu/~koleson Office: Sherman 109 808-956-8864 kole...@hawaii.edu Skype: kirstenllo
