[Coral-List] Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant position in Coastal Resource Management (Sarah Young)

[Sarah Young]

*Graduate Research Assistant*



*Social Science and Policy*

*Institute for Coastal Science and Policy*

*East Carolina University*

*Greenville, NC*



We are looking to offer one Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant position for
the Fall of 2011.  The general focus of this position will be in the Human
Dimensions of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems.  The academic program of study
will be in the Coastal Resources Management Ph.D. Program, which is within
the Institute for Coastal Science and Policy (http://www.ecu.edu/crm/ and
http://www.ecu.edu/icsp/ICSP/Home.html).



Responsibilities: This is a quantitative human dimensions graduate
assistantship.  The successful candidate will study within and meet the
requirements of the Coastal Resources Management Program, and in addition be
expected to focus on and acquire knowledge in the social and behavioral
sciences, and to apply this knowledge to coastal management topics.  The
Coastal Resources Management Program requires a minor in either Coastal
Geosciences or Coastal Estuarine Ecology. The development of strong research
skills will be required.  This will include the completion of multiple
research methods and statistics courses.  The successful candidate will also
be expected to pursue publication in various appropriate scholarly
publication outlets, including refereed journals, conference proceedings and
technical reports, and to attend and participate in national and regional
professional conferences.  Several research projects are typically in
progress, and the student will be expected to participate in some or all of
them.  Self-motivation and independent work capabilities are important.  Some
recent projects include 1) a study of SCUBA divers, snorkelers and
recreational fishermen as part of the Florida Reef Resilience Program in the
Florida Keys, 2) a comprehensive socioeconomic study of recreation and
tourism in the Florida Keys, 3) a study of recreational consequences of
coastal restoration at Zuma Beach, CA, and 4) a review of the social and
economic understanding of coastal erosion from Maine to Chesapeake Bay.  A
current project is to study divers, anglers and boaters in Biscayne Bay
National Park, and to study users at Dry Tortugas National Park.



Qualifications: 1) The ability to work collaboratively as a member of an
interdisciplinary team and to assume leadership roles for research projects.
2) Masters in the behavioral sciences or natural resources disciplines.  3)
An ability to conduct research, with basic course work in research methods
and statistical applications completed.  4) Good communication skills; good
writing and public speaking abilities.  5) Previous professional experience
in the coastal environment is preferred, but not required.



Compensation:  Contingent on funding, the position will be available on or
before August 22, 2011.  An annual stipend of $22,000 is provided for the
first year.  Funding in subsequent years is likely, but not guaranteed.  With
the stipend comes a waiver of tuition, and basic health care.  It is
expected that the successful candidate will apply to become a resident of
North Carolina by the end of their first year in the Program (if
appropriate).



Contact:  Send resume, letter of interest summarizing qualifications, and
three references to:  David K. Loomis, Associate Professor, Institute for
Coastal Science and Policy, Flanagan Building, East Carolina University,
Greenville, NC  27858-4353.  Loomisd at ecu.edu.  252-737-4263.  Please feel
free to contact me with questions.  The position will be advertised until
filled.


-- 
"Every morning I awake torn between a desire to save the world and an
inclination to savor it. This makes it hard to plan the day." E.B.
White