Grad Student Ass't- Modeling Zero-Deforestation Commitments (HI)

The Carlson Lab in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NREM) within the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa seeks applicants for a funded graduate research assistant position.

This student will research zero-deforestation commitments in the soybean sector of South America. The position is part of a Social-Environmental SYNthesis Center (SESYNC) funded project led by Kimberly Carlson (University of Hawaii) and Rachael Garrett (Boston University).The student will compile data on soy supply chains and land use change in South America, collate information on supply chain commitments by companies, and develop models to assess the impacts of zero-deforestation commitments in the soy sector using Dinamica EGO software. The student will also join virtual meetings with collaborators from around the world, and travel occasionally to Annapolis Maryland for meetings.

More information on the SESYNC project can be found here: http://www.sesync.org/project/propose-a-pursuit/supply-chain-commitments

QUALIFICATIONS: The applicant must have expertise in geo-spatial analysis and programming, experience doing independent research, excellent oral and written communication ability, good organizational skills, and strong interest in creating geospatial models. We are looking for someone who is passionate about tropical conservation and is excited to learn new modeling techniques and tools. Individuals who speak Portuguese or Spanish, have lived in South America, have worked for environmental advocacy organizations or industries related to tropical commodities, have published in peer-reviewed journals, or those with experience in Dinamica EGO or other spatial simulation software are especially well qualified for the position. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements for admittance into the NREM graduate program, and should have a bachelor's degree (if enrolling in the master's program) or a master's degree (if enrolling in the PhD program).

EXPECTATIONS: The selected individual is expected to develop and program geospatial models in Dinamica EGO in close collaboration with the PIs, write up the research results, travel to Annapolis Maryland for team meetings, present research findings at regional and international scientific meetings, seek out and apply for multiple external funding sources each year, and actively participate in lab group meetings and events.

SUPPORT: The position includes a stipend, and tuition is fully covered by the University of Hawaii.

LOCATION: The University of Hawaii at Manoa is in Honolulu, Hawaii, a vibrant community that offers incredible opportunities for outdoor activities as well as a diverse urban environment. As part of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, students in NREM become immersed in the study of tropical agriculture.

​APPLICATION: To apply, please send a 2-page cover letter describing how your career goals and experience/qualifications make you an ideal fit for the position. Also attach your CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references. Send to [email protected]. Applications received by December 31, 2016 will receive full consideration.

QUESTIONS? Feel free to contact Dr. Kimberly Carlson with questions about the position, and check out our lab web site (www.carlson-lab.org) as well as Dr. Rachael Garrett's web site (http://www.bu.edu/earth/people/faculty/rachael-garrett/).
A full description of the NREM graduate programs can be found here: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/nrem/students/grad-e_komo_mai.html