An interdisciplinary research group at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (UMCES-CBL) is inviting applications for an hourly Research Assistant to work on multiple projects combining environmental science, economics and public policy, with primary effort on a funded 3-year project examining the costs and benefits of alternative treatments for cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in freshwater systems.
CyanoHABs are a nationwide concern due to their widespread and increasing impact on ecosystem services from freshwater systems. The proposed research will characterize economic benefits of preventing, treating and mitigating effects of cyanoHABs in freshwater lakes and reservoirs, using a multi-method approach.
Other research topics include evaluating policies to promote sustainable agro-ecosystems and economic incentives for nature based solutions to water pollution. The researcher will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers including economists and ecologists and gain knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Other duties may be assigned as needed. The position provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of science and policy on fundamentallychallenging socio-ecological questions. The successful candidate will interact with researchers, planners and policy makers in several regions of the US. The appointee will have opportunities to collaborate with scientists across UMCES (www.umces.edu) and Morgan State University PEARL (https://www.morgan.edu/pearl). Anticipated start date: March 2024. Salary will be commensurate with experience within a range of $28-$38 per hour.
Roles/Responsibilities
- Reviewing literature
- Building spreadsheet databases
- Contacting government officials to gather data
- Analyzing data using statistical software
- Engaging in substantial qualitative data collection component
- Preparing materials for human subjects’ interviews and focus groups
- Ensuring high quality transcripts and/or notes from participant meetings
- Qualitative data analysis
- Prepare materials for public communication of results
- Contribute to published manuscripts.
Eligibility
- An MS degree or equivalent experience in Environmental Economics, Ecology, Public Health, Environmental Anthropology, or a related field is required
- Applicants should have experience collecting, organizing and analyzing data using statistical programs
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- GIS, R and quantitative modeling experience are desirable
- Qualitative research skills and/or interest is a plus.
Application Details
- A CV
- Statement of research interests
- Names/addresses of three references
The complete application should be sent in one pdf file to re****************@um***.edu.
Review of applications will begin on February 22, 2024 but continue until position is filled.
