What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant position at University of Maine?
PhD Research Assistant
Cultural Adaptation to Environmental Health Threats
The Applied Cultural Evolution (ACE) Laboratory at the University of Maine is seeking applicants for a fully-funded 4-year doctoral research assistant position on the adaptive cultural evolution of human behavior in a context of environmental and health threats.
Background
The position is part of a new research project that seeks to understand how people learn and adapt to the threats of tick-borne disease in New England forests in relation to invasive plants. The project will (a) study the processes of social learning and cultural adaptation to tick threats in invaded woodlands, (b) investigate the ecological effects of invasive plants on tick ecology, and (c) translate findings through an outreach and education program for woodland owners. The project is led by Dr. Allison Gardner, Dr. Jessica Leahy, and Dr. Tim Waring at University of Maine. A successful applicant will work with a multidisciplinary team of biologists and social scientists in Maine and Vermont. This position builds on work, already, published by our team.
Responsibilities
The assistant will lead a multi-method multi-year scientific research project on the process of cultural adaptation in an applied environmental context with guidance from Dr. Waring and in collaboration with the project team. Some specific duties of this position are below:
- Review theoretical models of cultural adaptation
- Build a model of adaptive human cultural evolution
- Develop a strategy for applying adaptation models to the context of ticks in Maine
- Parameterize the model with variables from the project study system
- Refine an experimental protocol for studying cultural adaptation
- Gain IRB ethical certification and approval for experimental protocol
- Conduct an online behavioral experiment to test implications of causal complexity on human adaptive social learning.
- Analyze data using the R statistical programming language
- Write research papers on the project
Position
The position is one of four new hires that form the core of the five-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation. The assistant will join as a graduate student working with Dr. Tim Waring in the Applied Cultural Evolution (ACE) Laboratory (https://timwaring.info/). The position is intended to prepare a PhD with expertise in human social learning and cultural evolution, social-ecological systems, and a focus on complex decision-making in science and policy. Support includes a fellowship of $30,000/yr for up to 4 years, a tuition waiver, and a 50% subsidy for health insurance.
Qualifications
Essential
- Demonstrated academic excellence and research experience
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with a team
- Demonstrated ability to learn new skills
- Mature, organized, professional and courteous
- Interest in human cultural evolution, social learning, and environmental implications
Desired
- Experience with a research computing language such as R, Python or Matlab
- Master’s degree in a relevant science (behavioral and human sciences, evolution, ecology, biology, psychology, economics, computer science) or engineering.
- Mathematical or simulation modeling experience
Application
Application materials include:
- CV or resume
- Letter detailing your interest in the position, how you meet the qualifications, and any relevant experiences, interests, and career goals.
- Scientific writing sample (e.g. thesis, manuscript, project report)
- Three references (with name, phone, email).
Submit application materials here: https://forms.gle/gZWK9BpwYfoG8vGf8
An application to a relevant graduate program (e.g. Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Biology) at the University of Maine is also required.
Please address inquiries to Dr. Tim Waring (timothy.waring@maine.edu). Review of materials will continue until the position is filled. The University of Maine is committed to equal opportunities people of all types. Women and minorities explicitly encouraged to apply. Also see: https://timwaring.info/
Salary : $30,000
