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M.S. or Ph.D. assistantship in Human Dimension of Citizen Science<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/drive.google.com/file/d/1PxFixeiR4bZ2cMlu8aanWTRPK_8ouUE3/view?usp=sharing__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALqRZtHbU$> (application deadline: Feb. 17, 2020).
The College of Natural Resources (CNR) at North Carolina State University invites applications for an M.S. or Ph.D.-level assistantship beginning in Fall 2020 (start dates negotiable). The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Lincoln Larson<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/faculty.cnr.ncsu.edu/lincolnlarson/__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALZt50oDk$> (Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management) and Dr. Caren Cooper<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/faculty.cnr.ncsu.edu/carencooper/__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALMWi76w4$> (Dept. of Forestry and Environmental Resources) and to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cnr.ncsu.edu/prtm/graduate-programs/__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vAL-syIjgs$>, Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cnr.ncsu.edu/fer/fisheries-wildlife-and-conservation-biology-program/graduate-programs/__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vAL-AVSJGc$>, or Natural Resources<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/mnr.ncsu.edu/__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALO8Nqp2g$>. The student will join our team, supported by an NSF-Advanced Informal STEM Learning (AISL) grant, investigating the potential of multi-project platforms for improving the experiences of citizen scientists. The 5-year study focuses on SciStarter<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/scistarter.com/__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vAL1HVpjog$>, the largest repository of citizen science projects in the world, and uses a variety of techniques to increase the capacity of citizen science to achieve broader goals for both science and society. The student will study citizen science as a form of recreation that provides a variety of health and wellness benefits, helping the research team examine engagement trajectories across multiple projects (e.g., shifts from online to offline or field-based participation), the factors that motivate these shifts, and the diverse benefits that volunteers derive as engagement deepens. Results will inform shared management of volunteers across a diverse array of projects and reveal ways citizen science can contribute to health and well-being.

Key Responsibilities & Opportunities (vary by degree objective):

  *   Work with faculty advisors to advance citizen science theory and practice by conducting literature reviews and crafting innovative research projects (assisting or leading study design, data collection, and analysis).
  *   Work with faculty advisors and project partners to enhance capacity for project management in SciStarter, including the development of thematic portals.
  *   Assist or lead in developing peer-reviewed journal articles, academic presentations, non-technical reports and outreach materials, and other project deliverables.
  *   Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants and/or serve as a teaching assistant in relevant courses.
  *   Contribute to the activities of the cluster on Leadership in Public Science<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/facultyclusters.ncsu.edu/clusters/leadership-in-public-science/)__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vAL8LBajYQ$>, which offers unique intellectual focus and professional development in the realm of citizen science, open science, and science communication.

Required Qualifications:

  *   BS (for MS level) or MS degree (for PhD) in human dimensions of natural resources, park/recreation management, social sciences, or related field
  *   Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, and writing)
  *   Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  *   Strong commitment to public science and interdisciplinary research
  *   Interest in interdisciplinary research

•       Meet admissions requirements of the NC State Graduate School

Desired Qualifications:

  *   Some background and/or coursework in recreation and leisure studies, public health, or related field
  *   Experience with quantitative research and analysis skills, including survey development and implementation
  *   Experience with qualitative research, including interviews and data transcription
  *   Experience with web analytics and large datasets
  *   Experience working in citizen science contexts as a researcher and/or practitioner

Assistantship Package: The assistantship provides a competitive stipend, tuition, student fees, and health insurance. It assumes 20 hours per week dedicated to the project and 20 hours dedicated to coursework. The M.S. position is renewable for up to 2 years based on satisfactory progress. The Ph.D. position is renewable for up to 4 years based on satisfactory progress.

Starting Date: The negotiable starting date for the assistantships is August 15, 2020.

How to Apply: Please begin the application process by sending an email copying both Dr. Lincoln Larson ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) and Dr. Caren Cooper ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>), attaching the the following items in one PDF document:
1)     Letter of Intent (personal statement describing relevant experience and research interests, should also specify preferred assistantship – MS or PhD)
2)     Resume or CV
3)     Contact Information for 3 Academic References

The position will remain open until filled, with all applications submitted by February 17, 2020 receiving full consideration. If selected for the position, applicants will be asked to submit an online application<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/app.applyyourself.com/AYApplicantLogin/fl_ApplicantLogin.asp?id=ncsu-grad__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALwRc8Gt4$> to the NC State Graduate School.


M.S. or Ph.D. assistantship in Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conservation<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/drive.google.com/file/d/1o3M56DB7O87vzIRmKbzQi5zAq8mAJ9Lr/view?usp=sharing__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALvehe-Uc$> (application deadline: Feb. 24, 2020).
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) at North Carolina State University invites applications for an MS or PhD-level research assistantship beginning in Fall 2020. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Lincoln Larson<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/faculty.cnr.ncsu.edu/lincolnlarson/__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALZt50oDk$> on a study evaluating college students’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to wildlife conservation and wildlife-related recreation activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, wildlife watching). Particular emphasis will be placed on the outdoor recreation recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of college students from non-traditional backgrounds. The research project is supported by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NC WRC), and it builds on the work of an ongoing U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Multistate Project that includes a team<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/drive.google.com/file/d/1BHKu4R2h12P3oaIWJKSDOLiSae5vGP3r/view?usp=sharing__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALspaFu80$> of researchers and practitioners from universities and wildlife agencies across 23 states. Results of the project will inform research and practice that impacts the future of R3 and wildlife conservation efforts across the United States.

Key Responsibilities & Opportunities:

  *   Research: Work with faculty advisor and agency partners to advance human dimensions of wildlife conservation theory and practice; Assist with study design, data collection, analysis, and implementation of R3 programs targeting college students.

•       Writing & Communication: Assist or lead in developing academic presentations, peer-reviewed journal articles, non-technical reports, outreach materials, and other deliverables related to R3 and wildlife recreation/conservation.

•       Teaching & Mentoring: Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants and serve as a teaching assistant in PRTM courses. Interact with leaders of student organizations to support campus-wide R3 efforts.

  *   Professional Development & Networking: Interact with partners from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, fostering professional connections and potential employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Required Qualifications:

  *   BA or BS degree (MS for PhD applicants) in natural resource-related discipline and/or social science degree with an emphasis on natural resource management

  *   Desire to pursue degree in Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Biology (FWCB) or Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM) within the College of Natural Resources<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cnr.ncsu.edu/academics/graduate/__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALptGHISw$>.
  *   Background or experience in quantitative (survey-based) and qualitative (interview-based) data collection and analysis
  *   Strong verbal and writing communication skills
  *   Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills
  *   Ability to work collaboratively with others across multiple sectors

•       Meet admissions requirements of the NC State Graduate School (found here<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cnr.ncsu.edu/prtm/graduate-programs/phd-in-prtm/__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vAL5W-Y7z8$>)

Desired Qualifications:

  *   Strong interest in wildlife conservation values, attitudes and behaviors
  *   Interest in hunting/fishing (or connections between these activities and conservation)
  *   Passion for engaging “non-traditional” stakeholders in wildlife recreation/conservation
  *   Experience working for or with state or federal wildlife management agencies

Assistantship Package: The assistantship provides an annual stipend of $20,000 that also includes tuition, student fees, health insurance, and funds to support professional development. It assumes 20 hours per week dedicated to research and teaching and 20 hours dedicated to coursework. Position is renewable for up to 3 years based on satisfactory progress.

Starting Date: The targeted (negotiable) starting date for the assistantship is August 17, 2020.

How to Apply: Please begin the application process by sending an email to Dr. Lincoln Larson ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) with the following items in one PDF document:
1)     Letter of Intent (personal statement describing relevant experience and research interests)
2)     Resume or CV
3)     Contact Information for 3 Academic References

Position will remain open until filled, with all applications submitted by February 24, 2020 receiving full consideration. If selected for the position, applicants will be asked to submit an online application<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/app.applyyourself.com/AYApplicantLogin/fl_ApplicantLogin.asp?id=ncsu-grad__;!!HXCxUKc!kx4cIZKKyiLMb9FRaCcpZqVOXT28ulKEn357_QnCXFGAUKVGTQwZ8vALwRc8Gt4$> to the NC State Graduate School.