University of Maine Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions
*** PhD Research Assistant Dam Decision-Making *** Seeking a highly qualified and motivated student interested in sustainability science research. The student will work with Dr. Sharon Klein and an interdisciplinary team of researchers on a project sponsored by the National Science Foundation to examine the economic, technological, ecological, social, and political trade-offs associated with different kinds of dam decisions in New England. Research will include techno-economic analysis of different hydropower systems and stakeholder-engaged multi-criteria decision analysis, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys with dam decision-makers, as well as computer modeling. Working under the direction of Dr. Sharon Klein and a cross-disciplinary committee, the ideal candidate’s dissertation work will support stakeholder-driven solutions about dams by integrating research and theory in decision sciences and hydropower with other key concerns including fish passage, sediment transport, water quality, and governance. With a strong foundation in energy economics and multi-criteria decision analysis via Dr. Klein’s influence, the student will engage in interdisciplinary, integrative coursework and research through the Ecology and Environmental Science Program (https://umaine.edu/ecologyandenvironmentalsciences/) or through the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program (http://umaine.edu/soe/graduate-degrees/interdisciplinary-ph-d-program/) at the University of Maine. The student will work closely with researchers at the University of New Hampshire and the University of Rhode Island to integrate multi-criteria decision analysis in ongoing dam-related research activities at those institutions. The research assistantship provides an annual stipend of $22,000 based on working an average of 20 hrs/week year round, a full tuition waiver of up to 18 credits per academic year, and 50% of the cost of UMaine graduate student health insurance. Reappointment as a RA for up to 3 years (ending July 31, 2019) is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the annual renewal of the NSF EPSCoR funding. There is also potential for an additional year or two of RA support. To apply submit the following by email to Dr. Sharon Klein, sharon.kl...@maine.edu: (1) letter stating your qualifications and research interests; (2) CV; (3) unofficial copy of any college/grad transcripts; (4) copy of GRE scores; and (5) contact information (not letters) for three references. Priority will be given to applications received by July 1, 2016. Selected candidates will be asked to apply to the Graduate School (https://umaine.edu/graduate/apply/app-info/), for a Fall 2016 start date. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. More information about Dr. Klein’s research and teaching activities can be found here: http://umaine.edu/soe/faculty-and-staff/klein/. This project is part of The New England Sustainability Consortium, which has launched a new stakeholder-engaged, solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research program focused on the future of dams (https://www.newenglandsustainabilityconsortium.org/dams). Our research draws upon world-class faculty expertise at University of Rhode Island, University of New Hampshire, University of Maine, Rhode Island School of Design, Keene State University, and University of Southern Maine and builds on NEST’s experience in advancing the theory and practice of sustainability science.
