[ES_JOBS_NET] Two PhD positions in natural-built environmental sensing, University of Virginia

[Claire Griffin]

*Two Ph.D. Positions open at the University of Virginia Department of
Environmental Sciences  *

Dr. Howard Epstein and collaborators at UVA are looking for two motivated
graduate students to work on an NSF-funded Navigating the New Arctic
project, using field-based sensor data to understand coupled natural-built
environments in Utqiagvik, Alaska. The transdisciplinary project includes
environmental scientists, local residents of Utqiagvik, architects and
designers, social scientists, and data scientists to explore how the built
environment interacts with natural systems, and how to use this information
in design and planning decisions. Co-production of knowledge with the local
community is a key component of the project, and team members are studying
how an interdisciplinary team communicates with each other, and community
partners. The two positions will focus on terrestrial or aquatic components
of the system.

*Terrestrial*: This Ph.D. project will be co-advised by Dr. Epstein and Dr.
Luis Felipe Murillo Rosado (UVA School of Data Science) to install a
network of micrometeorological stations monitoring land-atmosphere
interactions along coastal and urban gradients. Extensive datasets will be
analyzed to understand how components of the built environment influence
local meteorological conditions, and part of the project will include
strategies for making the data accessible to various stakeholders.

*Aquatic*: This Ph.D. project will be co-advised by Dr. Epstein and Dr.
Claire G. Griffin (UVA Environmental Sciences). A network of water level
and water quality sensors in ponds and lagoons throughout Utqiagvik and the
adjacent tundra will be used to understand interactions between
infrastructure and hydrochemistry at a landscape scale, and include
significant data visualization/accessibility components.

Qualifications:


   - Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, data science, ecology, or
   related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
   - Previous research experience is preferred, especially with regard to
   using environmental sensing equipment, handling large data sets, and time
   series analyses.
   - Interest in field and data science and strong communication skills are
   required. This project centers on collaboration with a wide range of team
   members, including Utqiagvik residents, architects, designers, and social
   scientists. Willingness to listen and engage with a diverse group is
   essential.
   - Ability to travel and work during sometimes extreme conditions is key
   – site visits may include winter weather, with temperatures as low as -40F.
   Summer conditions will often be wet, buggy, and with 24hr of sunlight.


Start date: Jan 2021 or Summer 2021 – there is some flexibility, but the
aim is to have graduate students join for our inaugural summer field season
in June 2021.
Compensation: Students will be supported by a combination of RA and TA
appointments, and the details can be discussed with Dr. Epstein.

To apply: Contact Dr. Epstein prior to application to discuss projects at
hee2b at virginia.edu. Students who are interested should contact Dr. Epstein
by October 1st, 2020, and send a brief description of their research
interests and experience, a CV/resume, and informal transcripts.
Information on applying to UVA can be found here:
https://evsc.as.virginia.edu/prospective-graduate-students. Applications
fees may be waived on request. Candidates from diverse cultural and
educational backgrounds including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and
members of other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to
apply.

-- 
Claire G. Griffin
Postdoctoral Associate, UVA
Ph.D., Marine Science
http://claireggriffin.com/
@polargriffin <https://twitter.com/polargriffin>
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