2 PhD Assistantships | Listening to Longleaf Landowners

Two Graduate Research Assistantship Positions Available: 

Listening to Longleaf Landowners

1.  Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Conservation
2.  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC: Dept. of Geography and Environment, 

Support: The student will be supported with a research assistantship, a full tuition waiver, and student health benefits.

Start date: May 2024 for VT student; August 2024 for UNC-CH student

Review of applications will begin November 27, 2023. 

Description:

Two Graduate Research Assistants are needed for a social science study focusing on understanding longleaf pine landowners and their participation in the Conservation Reserve Program. The project has a specific focus on motivations for participation, critical program components from landowner perspectives as well as barriers landowners may face to participation. This is a unique opportunity to join a research team and work collaboratively with faculty at Virginia Tech (Drs. Dayer and Holland) and UNC Chapel Hill (Dr. Allred). The students will participate in mixed-methods research to engage both conservation practitioners and landowners in the range of the longleaf pine. Methods will include conducting a literature review and secondary data analysis, semi-structured interviews and a quantitative survey. The UNC Chapel Hill doctoral student will have a particular focus on historically underserved landowners in the study area. Excellent organization, writing skills and attention to detail are essential as the student will be leading aspects of the research project. The students will have ample opportunity to design qualitative and quantitative research, write and present study results, and co-produce research and recommendations with the practitioners who will use the data.

Virginia Tech: Funding is available to support a student at the doctoral level. The student will receive a PhD in Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech and be part of the Dayer Human Dimensions Lab (http://www.fishwild.vt.edu/faculty/dayer/index.htm). PhD students will also be encouraged to apply to the interdisciplinary graduate education program Interfaces of Global Change (http://www.globalchange.vt.edu/igc/) which offers unique intellectual focus and training in the realm of global change and the science-policy interface. 

Preferred start date of May 2024 is negotiable. Graduate degree program will begin in August 2024.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:  Funding is available to support a student at the doctoral level on a 9-month Graduate Research Assistantship. In addition to the 9-month stipend, the student will have a summer GRA for 2025 and 2026. The student will receive a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and be part of the Allred Lab Group in the Dept. of Geography and Environment with a start date of Fall 2024.  

Minimum qualifications:

MS or MA degree in human dimensions, fisheries, wildlife, natural resources, environmental social sciences, geography, or related discipline with coursework in social sciences and natural resources or environment

GPA of 3.4 or higher (over the last 60 credit hours)

Interest in social science research and science co-production with government agencies and landowners

Excellent writing skills

Organized and attention to detail

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Works well independently and as part of a team

Preferred qualifications:

Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, and writing)

Experience writing science research reports

Experience with survey and/or interview research

Knowledge of longleaf ecosystems, private lands conservation, 

Skills in using statistical analysis software

Skills in qualitative data analysis software 

To apply:

Submit a single pdf including: 

1) Cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications, and experience, as well as research and career goals. Indicate your preference for the position at VT or UNC. 

2) CV or resume

3) An academic/research writing sample (from a publication, research project, or class assignment) including a paragraph explaining applicant’s and others’ contributions to the piece 

3) Academic transcripts (can be unofficial)

4) Names, contact information (email address and phone number), and short description of relationship for three professional or academic references 

Submit application materials via email to Dr. Kathleen Holland (kkholland@vt.edu) with “Dayer Lab GRA application”  or “Allred Lab GRA application” in the email subject line depending on which program you wish to be considered. Applications should be submitted before November 27, 2023, but will be reviewed as they are received. The top candidate will also need to apply to the Virginia Tech Graduate School or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School before acceptance (but applicants do not need to initiate this application yet).

Contact Person: Dr. Kathleen Holland

Contact email: kkholland@vt.edu