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4-year PhD assistantship in coastal planning, policy and design to pursue research on climate adaptation

Position description: The University of Rhode Island (URI) College of the Environment and Life Science (CELS), Rhode Island Sea Grant, and Rhode Island Land Grant, (jointly) have 4 years of funding available for a PhD student to study coastal planning, policy, and design in the context of adaptation to climate change. URI is recognized as a leader in the US and globally in the field of coastal climate adaptation. We are particularly interested in a student wishing to pursue the application of design theory and practice to complex challenges of long-term planning for urban coastal communities vulnerable to climate change impacts. We seek a highly-motivated student with a Master of Landscape Architecture (or equivalent) and a strong academic record who wishes to pursue interdisciplinary work. The doctoral student will under Dr. Austin Becker and receive interdisciplinary training in coastal planning and policy in the Department of Marine Affairs and coastal design in the Department of Landscape Architecture.

Qualifications: Prospective applicants must have a Master of Landscape Architecture (or equivalent). Applicant should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary work that incorporates planning, policy, and design. Proficiency with GIS and other graphics programs is a plus. Applicants should also have solid analytical and writing skills.

Stipend and benefits: The successful applicant will be admitted to URI’s Department of Marine Affairs PhD Program and receive an annual stipend in the first four years, plus tuition waiver and supplemented health insurance. This assistantship is based on a 20-hour work week. Student will pay activity fees to the University of Rhode Island. The student will work under the advisement of Professor Austin Becker and others in the Department of Marine Affairs, the Department of Landscape Architecture, and/or other departments as appropriate for the student’s research

Starting Date: The anticipated starting date for the assistantship is Fall 2014 (preferred) or Winter 2015.

 

For Initial Inquiries/Review:

Please email by March 15^th, 2014, a 1) letter of intent, 2) resume/C.V., 3) example of scholarly writing and design portfolio, 4) copy of transcripts, 5) copy of GRE scores, and 6) contact information for three references to: Judy Palmer — jmpalmer@mail.uri.edu

Austin Becker, PhD

Assistant Professor of Coastal Planning, Policy, and Design

Departments of Marine Affairs and Landscape Architecture

College of the Environment and Life Sciences

University of Rhode Island | Coastal Institute Room 213 | 1 Greenhouse Road, Suite 205 | Kingston, RI  02881

e: abecker@uri.edu | p: 401-874-4192 | f: 401-874-2156  | t: @austinhbecker | w:  web.uri.edu/abecker