Graduate Research Assistant

Graduate Research Assistant – Tropical Land Use and Sustainable Bioenergy – TheUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

The Gibbs Lab group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has funding for a GraduateResearch Assistant starting Fall 2011 to conduct research on carbon emissions, tropicaldeforestation and bioenergy issues. Ideally, the student will focus on tropical land-usetransitions in response to global economic drivers such as bioenergy mandates anddemand-side pressures from Greenpeace and other NGOs. The research will likelyinvolve a combination of GIS and database analysis along with statistical modeling.Questions include – What are the drivers of agricultural land-use change? Do bioenergysubsidies in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere influence rates of forest clearing? What rolemight the soy or oil palm moratoria play in mitigating causes and drivers ofdeforestation? How have tropical land-use patterns changed over the last three decades?What does this mean for carbon emissions?

Preference will be given to students with work experience and / or time spent in thetropics. GIS and statistical training are ideal. Applicant must be accepted into theDepartment of Geography or the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies graduateprogram. Typically, graduate students in our research programs have undergraduateGPAs above 3.5, and GRE scores in the 80th percentile or higher. Benefits includestipend, tuition remission and eligibility to participate in the Graduate Student HealthInsurance Program.

Madison is widely recognized for its high quality of life, vibrant culture and arts scene,and easy access to natural areas. Costs of living are moderate, and public transportationor bicycle paths are easy transportation options.

For more information:
Gibbs webpage
Nelson Institute
Department of Geography

To apply: please submit a cover letter detailing qualifications and research interests, CV,and email addresses of three references to Holly Gibbs hgibbs@stanford.edu. Candidatesshould also submit an application to the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies(Environment and Resources program preferred) and / or the Department of Geography(People and Environment program preferred).

Dr. Holly Gibbs
Assistant Professor (starting Aug 2011)
Department of Geography & Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison