PhD Position in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources/Wildlife Management
I am seeking an outstanding student to pursue a doctoral degree on wildlife stakeholder acceptance capacity of introduced animals in Hawai’i starting in January 2009. As one of the remotest locations on Earth, the only terrestrial vertebrates (i.e. wildlife) found in Hawai’i prior to the arrival of humans were birds and one bat species. As people settled the islands, they brought with them numerous animals from other parts of the world, either intentionally or unintentionally. Such species included livestock, pets, predators for biocontrol, game animals for hunting, and nuisance/pest species. As a result, there currently exist numerous views about how to manage the introduced animals in Hawai’i. The goal of the research is to understand stakeholders’ acceptance capacity and management preferences towards introduced animals in Hawai’i in order to facilitate management decisions and policy. To achieve this goal, the research will use an interdisciplinary approach mixing sociology, landscape ecology, wildlife management, and conservation planning. Support is in place for three years as a Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Christopher Lepczyk. The selected individual will also work closely with Dr. Rebecca Christoffel.
Applicants should possess: a background in the natural and/or social sciences, with a working knowledge of terrestrial vertebrate ecology, conservation biology, and human dimensions of natural resources; strong quantitative skills, including statistics; strong communication skills (i.e. experience giving presentations and ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals); and ability to interact and work with a diverse group of stakeholders. Applicants must possess an MS degree by time of appointment, as per departmental requirements. The selected student is expected to start in January 2009 for spring semester.
Interested students are encouraged to review the requirements for a PhD in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM). To apply to the position please send a cover letter outlining your interests and research background, a curriculum vitae, and contact information of three professional references (name, email, phone, address) as either a PDF or Word file to [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> with ‘Wildlife Stakeholder PhD Application’ in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2008 or until a suitable candidate is found. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Lepczyk via email.
Christopher A. Lepczyk Assistant Professor Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Honolulu, HI 96822 [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 808-956-2617 http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/lepczykc/
