Posting Date: November 2013
Application Deadline: Applications are due to the UVM Graduate College by February 1st; letters of interest and supporting materials are due to Dr. Vatovec by January 20th
Position: PhD Assistantship; Three years of funding available (research and teaching assistantship) with a goal of securing project funding for the duration of the students’ program.
Project background: Dr. Christine Vatovec has funding available for one doctoral-level student to conduct environmental health social science research that is related to medical care. Current projects focus on two areas regarding the interplay between human health and the environment: 1) the socio-ecological consequences of medical care, and 2) the human health benefits of nature contact.
Responsibilities: The successful applicant will work with Dr. Vatovec to develop a research protocol, apply for grant funding, conduct field research (e.g. interviews, observations), analyze data, and prepare publications and presentations for academic and lay audiences. The position is for a minimum of three years during which time the student will serve as a teaching assistant (10 hours/week) and research assistant (10 hours/week).
Qualifications: The successful applicant will have a background in environmental studies or a related discipline, and an interest in environmental health, social science research, and qualitative methodology. While not required, preference will be given to applicants who have earned a MPH, or are interested in participating in the Certificate in Public Health program (http://learn.uvm.edu/health-3/public-health-certificate/) at UVM.
To apply: Interested applicants should submit the following materials to Dr. Vatovec by January 20th:
1. A letter of interest (two pages, maximum) that outlines the applicant’s professional interest in environmental health and career plans, why earning a PhD the best path for achieving your career goals, and experience with qualitative social science methods,
2. the names and contact information of three references,
3. unofficial transcripts, and GRE scores, and
4. your current CV (please include your GPA from your current or most recently completed graduate studies).
In addition, applicants will need to apply to the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) Graduate School before February 1st (Graduate application process). In your application, be sure to state your preference for working with Dr. Vatovec. If you would like to discuss this assistantship before applying, please contact Dr. Vatovec.