Description and responsibilities: The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting research to understand sustainability and resilience of arctic urban and rural social-ecological systems.  There are several research opportunities available, and we will match candidates’ skills and interests with the appropriate research topic. 

These Alaska based topics include:

  • retaining STEM teachers
  • modeling social-ecological connections
  • assessing climate-related environmental hazards
  • designing fuel treatments to reduce wildfire risk
  • building community resilience to wildfire
  • measuring sustainability for arctic cities
  • economic assessment of firefighting activities 

The skills needed for these positions vary, but all require the ability to manage data and an interest in applied empirical research. Some focus on quantitative data analysis, while others will include qualitative data analysis and interviews. Familiarly with GIS or an interest in learning GIS is preferred, but not required.

The student will be advised by Dr. Matthew Berman and/or Dr. Jennifer Schmidt. These positions are funded by various research projects including: Alaska EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research; more information can be found at https://www.alaska.edu/epscor/fire-and-ice/), AURA (Arctic Urban Risks and Adaptations; https://www.respondtorisk.com/), Socio-ecological considerations for sustainAble Fuel treatments to Reduce wildfire Risk (SAFRR), Sufficient COmpensation for Retention and Equity (SCORE).

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental studies, ecology, economics, anthropology, or a related field before enrollment in a UA graduate program is required. The successful applicant will be highly motivated and creative; possess excellent writing and communication skills; have interdisciplinary training in social and natural sciences; demonstrate leadership or public engagement experience; and show an interest in using qualitative and quantitative approaches to address policy-relevant questions in sustainability and resilience of arctic urban and rural social-ecological systems. Experience with any of the topics listed above is preferred and for some positions fieldwork conducting interviews is a plus but not required.

Funding: Two full years of funding (tuition, stipend, and benefits). Positions supported by the research projects listed above. PhD students are welcome to apply, with the understanding that the positions only offer two years of funding.

Closing Date: Applicant review will begin immediately until all positions are filled.

Start Date: August 2022

To Apply: Apply online at UA jobs: https://careers.alaska.edu/en-us/job/517729/fy22-iser-graduate-research-assistant-socioecological