We are currently looking for a Ph.D. student for Spring 2018 to help with a

project that focuses on reducing informational feedback delays between

applied ecological research and adoption of management practices in the

Northern Great Plains (USA). The successful candidate will use existing

data from national research networks and research stations to engage local

stakeholders to design and test the usability of real-time data products.

The student will work collaboratively with ecologists, social scientists,

and local landowners to create products that influence management practices

and enhance ecosystem services on working lands.

*Qualifications*

-B.S. in one of the following areas: environmental science, biology,

agricultural ecosystems, natural resources management, or rangeland ecology

-Demonstrated ability to work with stakeholders

-Strong communication skills

-Strong quantitative skills

-Some programming experience and interest in using visualization techniques

preferred.

*Funding*

The student will enroll in the Ph.D. program in Virginia Tech=E2=80=99s Department

of Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation and will be affiliated

with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

<http://www.caryinstitute.org/science-program/our-scientists/dr-kathleen-c-weathers>

(http://www.caryinstitute.org/), one of the world=E2=80=99s leading independent,

environmental research organizations. Full graduate research assistantship

(with stipend) and tuition waiver will be provided for 3 years and

additional opportunities for funding are available. Students are strongly

encouraged to apply to be a fellow in Virginia Tech=E2=80=99s Interfaces of Global

Change <http://www.globalchange.vt.edu/igc/> graduate program (

http://www.globalchange.vt.edu/igc/), an interdisciplinary program designed

to address the multidimensional aspects of global change.

*Applying*

Interested students are encouraged to email the following as a single pdf

document: 1) a brief cover letter describing their professional background,

relevant research experience and interests, career goals, and reasons for

seeking a Ph.D., 2) a current curriculum vitae/resume, 3) names and contact

information for three references, and 4) an unofficial copy of transcripts

and GRE scores. Please send directly to me at msorice@vt.edu. Do not submit

materials to the Virginia Tech Graduate School at this time.

Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, but materials

must be received before 15 October 2017. The target start date is January

2018.

*Contact Information*

Michael Sorice (Primary contact for position)

Associate Professor, Department of Forest Resources & Environmental

Conservation

Virginia Tech

Phone: (540) 231-8303

Email: m-sorice@vt.edu

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