Post-Doctorate in Conservation and Development

A postdoctoral position in conservation and development is available in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University. The candidate must have completed all requirements for a PhD in economics or a related field by the start date. The appointment is for 9 – 15 months, negotiable. Preferred starting date is sometime between 1 September and 1 November 2010. Salary will be commensurate with experience (click here for description of university benefits).

The primary responsibility of the post-doc will be econometric analyses of survey data from several studies of land use change, non-timber forest products, and community forestry in the Brazilian Amazon. Post-doc will also be expected to co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and to assist with development of funding proposals on topics such as REDD. Depending on the interests and skills of the successful candidate, the scope of work could be expanded to include advising and supervision of masters students, teaching, and development of international academic programs.

The post-doctoral researcher will work directly with Dr. Erin Sills. The position will offer opportunities to engage with the extensive network of environmental, resource, and development economists in the Research Triangle of North Carolina (e.g., CenRep at NC State; Environment and Policy at Duke University; the US Forest Service; and the Triangle Working Group on REDD). The post-doc will be based primarily at NC State, with possibility of travel to Brazil.

Applicants should have or expect to complete all requirements for a PhD by October 2010. Requirements include a strong background in a relevant field of economics (e.g., environment, development), and experience in applied economic research methods econometric analysis and statistical software. Fluency in Portuguese and familiarity with Brazil are highly desirable. Knowledge of spatial and/or panel data methods, strong technical writing skills, and GIS skills will also be taken into consideration in evaluating applications. Qualified candidates from developing countries (broadly defined), women, and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.

To apply, send cover letter, CV, graduate transcripts, contact information for three references, and two research writing samples via email to sills@ncsu.edu (with “post-doc” in the subject line). Please indicate if you will be attending WCERE in Montreal.

Evaluation of applications will begin on 25 June and continue until position is filled. Interviews will be conducted at WCERE in Montreal, 30 June – 2 July.