The University of Wisconsin –Madison
Grassland 2.0 PhD/MS position: policy and social research for transitions to perennial grasslands
Qualifications:
A BS degree in agriculture, environmental studies, geography, planning, political science, sociology, public policy and administration, natural resources, forestry, wildlife ecology, or other related discipline is required. Experience with social science research or policy is required. Essential skills include strong English writing, verbal communication and ability to work independently and in a team. Work experience in agriculture, environmental conservation, or public policy with companies, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations is desired. Preference for a student seeking a PhD.
This project will be housed with the Rissman PIE lab (http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/rissman/) in the Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology which offers a Forestry PhD degree which is flexible enough to include agroforestry (http://www.fwe.wisc.edu). Students would also have the option to enroll through the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. The Nelson Institute requires students to have a Master’s degree at the time of the application or begin with a Master’s program and then transition into a PhD. Agroecology offers a MS but not PhD option.
Description:
Prof. Adena is hiring a PhD/MS student to begin in Summer or Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 with the funded Grassland 2.0 Sustainable Agricultural Systems project. The person in this position would join a transdisciplinary team to conduct research on agricultural and environmental policy on transitions to grazing, grassland and savannah. This position would work closely with other social and ecological scientists, policymakers, farmers, and other stakeholders. The position will be supervised by Dr. Adena Rissman who directs the PIE lab: People, Institutions, and Ecosystems.
This project develops options for helping shifts to grazing-based approaches in dairy and beef operations managed in pasture and agroforestry. We propose a range of options from cover crops and prairie strips to farm transformations. We aim to analyze how shifts to grass-based livestock could restore much of the ecosystem structure and function of the native prairie along with superior profitability, nutrient and water efficiency, and yield stability. The project has study areas in the Yahara Watershed and Driftless Area of Wisconsin and at the scale of the 10-state North Central Region of the United States.
The researcher in this position would be responsible for research on governance of agriculture and environment with a focus on transitions to perennial grass-based agricultural systems. Research topics could include:
- stakeholder perspectives on intervention points and barriers to grassland transitions,
- policy barriers and opportunities for reform,
- governance networks that shape barriers and opportunities for transition to grass-based agriculture, and
- policy in place from the lived experience of farmers and policy implementers.
The research would draw on transdisciplinary policy and governance approaches to examine institutions and collective action. It will rely on a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods across scales. The person in this position would also work with the Grassland 2.0 policy and governance subgroup to help develop specific government, industry, and civil society options for incentivizing transitions to perennial cover.
Application Process:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position to open to both US citizen and international candidates. If you have questions before applying, please email Adena Rissman (adena.rissman@wisc.edu).
Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the documents listed below to Adena Rissman (adena.rissman@wisc.edu) (in ONE PDF file please). Selected applicants will then be asked to apply officially to the UW.
- The Forest and Wildlife Departmental graduate application cover sheet (even if you intend to apply for a PhD through the Nelson Institute) http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/rissman/files/2018/12/CoverSheet_Fall2019.pdf
- Cover letter outlining your interest in and qualification for the position
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores if available
- Names and contact addresses of three references
