Moscow, ID

Position Title: Ph.D. Research Assistantship Position

Organization: University of Idaho

Location: Moscow, ID

Organization Overview: In collaboration with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, an initial 2-year research assistantship is available to work with Dr. Kenneth Wallen in the Dept. of Natural Resources and Society and earn a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho.

Position Overview: The Ph.D. position is part of a collaborative project to identify facilitators and barriers to participation among affected publics in the conservation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations and suppression of non-native rainbow trout in the South Fork Snake River, Idaho. The multi-stage project will use a participatory framework and mixed method design that recognizes the research and engagement spectrum of the human dimensions profession. The ultimate goal of the project is the co-development of a regional conservation monitoring and evaluation program.

Qualifications:  

• Master’s degree in a relevant social sciences or natural resources (environmental) social sciences field:
  • Candidate should want to pursue a social sciences-focused Ph.D. that applies mixed method research designs to natural resources management issues.
• Demonstrable experience with the application of rigorous theoretical and methodological approaches from psychology, sociology, behavioral economics, and/or organizational management.
  • Alternatively, have research or practical experience with program evaluation, implementation science, and/or professional facilitation, including data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrable experience in one or more of the following:
  • PREFERRED: Qualitative research methods such as interviews, focus groups, and/or participatory engagement, and associated qualitative data analysis.
  • ACCEPTABLE: Quantitative research methods such as survey research, experimental research, and/or econometrics, and associated statistical analysis.
• Interest in working directly with state agencies and resource users in the Intermountain West, particularly in the context of fisheries management and/or affected publics (stakeholder) engagement.
• Interest in addressing issues from a pragmatic management-oriented perspectives (e.g., the human dimensions of fisheries management).
• English language proficiency

Application Deadline: January 15 2023

Anticipated Start Date: May or June 2023

How to Apply:

1. Review Dr. Wallen’s prospective student statement
2. Send (1) cover letter, (2) CV, (3) graduate and undergraduate transcripts, and (4) names and contact information for 2-3 references in one PDF file to kwallen@uidaho.edu.