PhD student opportunity in Ecosystem Science/Coupled Human-Natural System Dynamics at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.
We are looking for a motivated student to join our interdisciplinary social-ecological team at ASU on an international NSF-funded project titled, "Feedbacks between human community dynamics and socio-ecological vulnerability in a biodiversity hotspot." Our project is exploring the drivers and consequences of a rapidly invasive plant species that is invading subtropical forest lands that border Chitwan National Park, Nepal, home to thousands of rural people and endangered wildlife such as the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino. The student will work with researchers with expertise in ecosystem ecology, ecosystem modeling, sociology, demography, environmental policy, and governance. For more information, see our project website: https://thesanfordschool.asu.edu/nepal-cnh. Qualifications: We are looking for an enthusiastic student with a background in environmental science, quantitative biology, ecology, geoscience, or related natural science fields who is interested in training across disciplines. An MS degree is desired, while applicants with a BS degree and substantial relevant experience will also be considered. Essential skills of the successful candidate are: excellent English writing and verbal communication skills; a strong work ethic; quantitative skills; and the ability work both independently and in a team. Previous field experience and experience with international travel/study is desirable. Funding: As a student in Environmental Life Sciences program (ELS) at ASU, the student will be eligible for a graduate research assistantship and teaching assistantships in the School of Life Sciences (SOLS). Environmental Life Sciences @ASU: The Environmental Life Sciences program (ELS) is a novel graduate degree program that provides PhD-level training in complementary fields focused on interactions between biological, physical, and social aspects of the environment (see http://els.asu.edu). ELS is administered by SOLS at Arizona State University and five other units. With over 100 professors across most fields of biology (https://sols.asu.edu/), SOLS is considered a leading institution in biological sciences education and research. With extensive facilities, research support and scholarship programs, SOLS is continuously adapting and developing solutions to current world problems through interdisciplinary and integrative research. Application Process: Applications will be accepted until December 15. Before preparing the application, the candidate must get in touch with Dr. Sharon J. Hall to discuss her/his interests. The position start date is August (Fall semester) 2015. Arizona State University is an institution committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are highly encouraged to apply.
