Graduate Research Assistant position in Environmental Social Science at University of Illinois: Farmer and public perceptions of agricultural soil carbon credits
Major Advisor: Dr. Chloe Wardropper, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
I am accepting applications for a graduate research assistant position on a project funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Preference is for a PhD-level student, but I will consider applications from exceptional MS-level students. Start date options are January or August 2025.
Project description: The graduate student will conduct participatory qualitative research with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to understand perceptions of uncertainty, risk, and trust in carbon markets and market actors. The student may also assist with a survey of public perceptions of soil carbon credits. They will join a collaborative team with expertise in agricultural law and policy, environmental communication, soil science, and Extension. The project aims to create participatory processes, legal best practice documents, policy recommendations, and bolstered Extension capacity regarding emerging soil carbon markets.
Desired qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree with coursework in environmental studies and social sciences (e.g., sociology, geography, political science, psychology)
- Qualitative social science data collection and analysis skills (e.g., conducting interviews, leading focus groups, and analyzing transcripts)
- Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse members of a research team.
- Interest in (and ideally experience with) agricultural systems.
Preferred qualifications:
- Master’s degree
- Quantitative social science data collection and analysis skills (e.g., survey design and statistical data analysis)
Support: The successful candidates will receive full tuition, a 9-month academic year stipend, 2-month summer stipend, and health insurance. Funding will come from a combination of research assistant and teaching assistant appointments for the duration of the degree given satisfactory performance.
About the place: UIUC is the land grant and sea grant university for Illinois and we prioritize both basic and applied research and are ranked as number 15 of public universities by the 2021-22 U.S. News & World Report of America’s Best College rankings. The College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences has local and global impact in environmental systems and sustainability. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is in adjacent small cities in central Illinois, with close access to natural areas and the diverse cities of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For more information about living and working in the area, see: https://www.visitchampaigncounty.org/ and https://www.smilepolitely.com/
How to Apply: I will consider applications on a rolling basis, but submissions by early October will be prioritized.Please send the following items in a single PDF file to Dr. Chloe Wardropper at chloew@illinois.edu: (1) A cover letter (1-2pp) describing your qualifications, including academic and professional preparation, career goals, and interest in the project, (2) CV, (3) names and contact information for 3 references (you will be informed before they are contacted). Please also include a PDF or link to a writing sample. Candidates must be prepared to submit full application materials to the NRES graduate program by Dec. 15 if chosen as a top candidate. For more information about the degree program, see: https://nres.illinois.edu/academics/graduate-degrees. Contact Dr. Wardropper with questions or to discuss potential fit at chloew@illinois.edu.