Graduate Research Assistantship in Public Policy, Natural Resource Management
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
MA in Anthropology; MA/MS in Interdisciplinary Studies; Masters of Public Administration (MPA), public policy emphasis
Telecoupled human-environmental systems in a changing Arctic environment
Location: This position will be located in Anchorage, Alaska, at the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Description and responsibilities: The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting research to understand how multiple distant drivers (i.e., tourism, marine shipping, and natural resource extraction) affect residents within the Bering Strait region of Alaska.
The skills needed for these positions include the ability to manage data and an interest in applied empirical research. Ideal candidates will have experience with qualitative data analysis, interest in conducting modeling the effects of multiple distant drivers and/or conducting surveys on the impacts of tourism in the region. Interest in GIS is appreciated.
The student will be advised by Dr. Matthew Berman<https://iseralaska.org/people/name/matthew-berman/> and/or Dr. Jennifer Schmidt<https://iseralaska.org/people/name/jennifer-schmidt/>. This position is funded by the National Science Foundation and is entitled "Complex Effects of Telecoupled Activities in the Changing Environment of the Arctic<https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/nsf-arctic-human-nature-bering-strait>".
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 applied management and policy questions policy-relevant questions about socio-ecological systems.
Funding: We offer 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.
When you do apply e-mail the following to Dr. Matthew Berman (matthew.berman@alaska.edu