Application Deadline: November 21, 2024 and November 15, 2024 respectively
This is a large-scale multi-institutional project that seeks to implement innovative, cost-effective, and climate-resilient decentralized wastewater treatment systems and management strategies in the rural Alabama Black Belt, supported by multi-faceted workforce development programs aimed at reducing GHG emissions, protecting human and environmental health, and improving economic development opportunities. The project brings together an interdisciplinary team with expertise in water sector treatment and management, engineering, climate resilience, public health, governance, social equity, and policy.
The project requires multiple postdoctoral fellows and graduate students (PhD and MS) to lead aspects of this collaborative research effort between seven universities. Several campuses will focus on governance and management aspects of wastewater systems, including Arizona State University (Dr. Maura Allaire) and Texas A&M University (Dr. Amal Bakchan). Additional collaborators include Princeton University (Dr. Jason Ren), University of Alabama (Dr. Mark Elliott), and University of South Alabama (Dr. Kevin White). The successful candidates will join one of these research labs, with the opportunity to collaborate with the research labs in other universities.
Postdoctoral Researchers
The project requires at least four postdoctoral researchers to lead aspects of this collaborative research effort. The successful candidates will contribute to the diverse components of the project in the following broad areas:
- evaluating and establishing appropriate responsible management and governance approaches for achieving systems sustainability
- evaluating and monitoring viable onsite climate-resilient wastewater treatment technologies
- developing a robust climate-focused wastewater workforce development program. Activities could include field, laboratory, and modeling.
Qualifications
- PhD in Environmental Economics, Geography, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Civil Engineering, or related fields
- Demonstrated expertise and interests in socio-technical infrastructure systems, utility governance, climate resilience, and/or social equity.
Application Details
- A cover letter describing applicant’s interest in the position and relevant experience (considering the five bulleted topic areas mentioned above)
- Current CV
- Contact information of three references
- A PDF of one journal article of what applicant believes is their best published research.
The complete aplication should be sent as a single PDF via this link. For additional information about the positions, contact Dr. Amal Bakchan (the project lead PI) at ba***********@gm***.com  or Dr. Maura Allaire (co-PI) at ma***********@as*.edu  with the subject line “Prospective Postdoc – Community Change Project“
Graduate Assistant/PhD/ MS Student Fellowship
The successful candidates will contribute to the diverse components of the project in the following broad areas:
- evaluating and establishing appropriate responsible management and governance approaches for achieving systems sustainability
- evaluating and monitoring viable onsite climate-resilient wastewater treatment technologies
- developing a robust climate-focused wastewater workforce development program. Activities could include field, laboratory, and modeling.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Economics, Geography, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Civil Engineering, or related fields
- Demonstrated expertise and interests in socio-technical infrastructure systems, utility governance, climate resilience, and/or social equity.
Application Instructions:
The positions will be funded through graduate research assistantships, providing stipend, tuition coverage, conference support, and benefits. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2024, and continue until the positions are filled. To apply, all application material must be submitted as a single PDF through the following link:Â https://forms.gle/AZm6uL3i8Ucn8gjWA
Application Details
- 1-2 pages statement of purpose, describing interest in the position and relevant experience (be as specific as possible of how the applicant would contribute to the ongoing research at the chosen research lab, considering the topic areas mentioned above)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- (Un)official transcript(s)
- Standard testing scores (TOEFL for international students, GRE)
- Writing sample(s) or past research publications.
The complete application should be sent as a single PDF via this link. For additional information about the positions, contact Dr. Amal Bakchan (the project lead PI) at ba***********@gm***.com  or Dr. Maura Allaire (co-PI) at ma***********@as*.edu , with the subject line “Prospective Graduate Student – Community Change Project“
