Funded PhD Position in Human-Environment Systems at Boise State

The Hillis lab is currently recruiting a motivated PhD student to the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior program at Boise State University. Our lab uses quantitative and computational methods to better understand the role of social dynamics in the sustainability of human-environment systems. Specific potential project topics include:
  • Social-ecological network analysis of conservation behavior among landowners in the western US.
  • Examining the co-evolution of environmental governance and environmental change using agent-based models.
  • Understanding how environmental attitudes develop over the life course using social network analysis of peer groups at different ages.
  • Assessing the efficacy of network governance of water resources in the Snake River Plain.
The PhD student will join our Human-Environment Systems community, a group of faculty and students committed to transdiciplinary, team-based, actionable research that addresses real-world environmental challenges.

Qualifications
We are seeking students who have expertise in social-ecological network analysis, agent-based modeling, Bayesian hierarchical modeling, or other quantitative or computational approaches to examining human-environment systems. Competitive students will have a Master’s degree and research or job experience related to the topics above.


Stipend and tuition and fees
This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantships (renewable, 12-month at $25,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance. The positions start Fall (Aug) 2018.


About the program and Boise
The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior PhD is a new graduate program at Boise State University. This program brings together faculty from multiple academic departments including biological sciences, geosciences, anthropology, and human-environment systems to offer relevant courses and provide unique mentorship and training opportunities. Further, we have created a network of valuable connections in academia, local relationships with federal and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as partnerships with international organizations all dedicated to providing students with transformative research and educational experiences for diverse career opportunities. To learn more, please view the 
EEB webpage

Students in this program enjoy living in the beautiful city of Boise, which strikes a perfect balance with close-by outdoor recreational activities as well as a vibrant downtown life. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the capital of the State of Idaho, Boise is frequently featured as a top-ranked

metropolis. The city has ample opportunities for world-class outdoor activities year round and a thriving arts and entertainment culture. In 2017, US News and World report ranked Boise the 12th best city to live in the United States. To learn more, please view “
Visit Boise

To Apply
Please send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name in the file name): a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals, a CV with the names and contacts for 3 references, copies of transcripts (unofficial are O.K.) and GRE scores and percentiles (not combined) to Dr. Vicken Hillis (email: vickenhillis_at_boisestate.edu). Please put “PhD application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until December 15, 2017. If you do not have GRE scores by the deadline your application cannot be considered. Top candidates will be asked to formally apply to Boise State’s EEB program by January 20, 2018. All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean. 

​Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.