Graduate Research Assistantship: Human Dimensions of Shorebird Stewardship on the Gulf Coast (US)

The selected student will be responsible for designing and conducting observations, interviews, and surveys of beach recreationists. Additionally, the student will contribute to the design of community-based social marketing campaigns based on the research findings and evaluate the campaigns. Interested students must be willing to work in the coastal environment during hot and humid summer conditions.

This position offers valuable experience in designing human dimensions research and evaluation methodologies, the opportunity to co-produce research and recommendations with the practitioners who will use the data, and communicate study results through written reports and presentations. The student will be mentored by Prof. Ashley Dayer, a conservation social scientist with extensive experience in bird conservation and science co-production with conservation practitioners. 

Graduate degree program will begin in August 2024. 

Minimum qualifications:

• BS or BA degree in human dimensions, fisheries, wildlife, natural resources, environmental social sciences, geography, or related discipline with coursework or other experience in social sciences and natural resources or environment
• GPA of 3.4 or higher (over the last 60 credit hours)
• Interest in human dimensions research and science co-production
• Willingness to travel and conduct field work in a coastal area
• Experience with education, outreach, communications, or community engagement
• 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)
• Field work experience in social science or biology
• Experience writing science research reports or journal articles
• Experience with survey and/or interview research
• Knowledge of shorebird 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. 
2. CV or resume
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 Sami Livingston (sami@vt.edu) with “Dayer Lab GRA application” in the email subject line. Applications should be submitted by Friday, January 5th, but the position will remain open until filled. The top candidate will also need to apply to the Virginia Tech Graduate School before acceptance (but applicants do not need to initiate this application yet).

Contact Person: Sami Livingston (note: Sami will be out of the office from Dec 22 to Jan 3).

Contact email: sami@vt.edu