CIC Smithsonian Fellowship

The Committee on Institution Cooperation (CIC) and the Smithsonian Institution (SI) invite fellowship applications for a one-year fellowships to support research in residence at the Smithsonian Institution facilities.  Fellowships carry a stipend of $30,000.  All field of study are actively pursued by the museums and research organizations of the Smithsonian Institution are eligible.  The application materials must be submitted electronically through https://solaa.si.edu by November 1, 2013 at 5 PM.

How it Works 
Under this fellowship program, the Smithsonian Institution and the Fellow's university share the cost of support.  Students enrolled at CIC member universities apply through their university graduate school however their application will be submitted through the Smithsonian's Online Application System (SOLAA).  Each university will nominate one application for the CIC/SI competition. 

All unfunded applications will be eligible for consideration in the general Smithsonian Institution competition.  Review of applications for the general competition begins on January 15, 2014.   

Eligibility
Students must have completed all course work for their programs, and must have been admitted into doctoral candidacy and satisfied all requirements except completion of the dissertation in order to qualify.  Only students enrolled at CIC institutions are eligible to apply.  

Benefits
The stipend is $30,00 for one year, and fellows are eligible for tuition and health insurance benefits in accordance with their university policy.  Fellows are eligible to receive allowances for related expenses and for temporary relocation to the Smithsonian.  

Application Instructions
See Program Guide for full details.  The application materials must be submitted electronically by November 1, 2013 at 5 PM through https://solaa.si.edu.

Luc Hoffman Institute/ SESYNC Postdoctoral Fellow

Luc Hoffmann Institute / SESYNC Postdoctoral Fellow
 Marine Socio-environmental Systems

Two-year fellowship available immediately to work with an interdisciplinary team to evaluate the impacts of marine conservation interventions, focusing on analyzing monitoring data for marine protected areas. Fellow will be in residence at the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) facilities at the University of Maryland in Annapolis, MD, and will also spend significant time at WWF-US offices in Washington, D.C. For earliest consideration, apply by October 20, 2013. For additional information, see www.sesync.org/opportunities/mpa-postdoc and http://luchoffmanninstitute.org/fellows/current-calls/

The Luc Hoffmann Institute, based at WWF International, Switzerland, in partnership with the National Social-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC), seeks a postdoctoral fellow to work with an interdisciplinary Pursuit /Collaborative Research Team (CRT) to evaluate the impacts of marine conservation interventions by synthesizing and analyzing monitoring data for marine protected areas (MPAs). The goal of the fellowship is to demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to monitoring MPAS, evaluating impacts, and analyzing data that builds upon established MPA monitoring protocols and questions, which inform decisions through assessment and modeling of ecosystem services, including fisheries, tourism, etc.  

This is a 24-month position that can begin as early as November 1, 2013. It is based at the University of Maryland’s SESYNC offices in Annapolis, MD, with mentor(s) to be identified from the Pursuit / CRT participants. The fellow will be a full participant in SESYNC’s postdoctoral mentoring program and interact with a large group of current postdocs at the Center, and be a full participant in the Luc Hoffmann Institute’s Fellowship programme, and will thus be co-mentored by a conservation specialist at the WWF-US offices in Washington, D.C., and will spend time working collaboratively with other Luc Hoffmann Institute Fellows.  

Major Duties & Responsibilities

In collaboration with the mentoring team, the fellow will:

  1. Assume leadership for the day-to-day management of the SESYNC and Luc Hoffmann Institute Pursuit/CRT partnerships and results delivery.
  2. Develop and refine conceptual models and analytic approaches, and implement practical methods for documenting and explaining variation in the social and biological impacts of conservation interventions (initially focusing on existing MPA monitoring datasets, as well as relevant global data).
  3. Develop, test, and analyze databases, building off ideas from workshop(s), judicious consolidation, and synthesis of large, potentially incomplete secondary datasets.  
  4. Analyze data and synthesize results from the above, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as warranted, in order to document conservation impacts and to explore relationships among MPA governance, as well as social and ecological context and conservation impacts.
  5. Explore ways to incentivize data sharing to increase the statistical power of that data and to facilitate collaboration, including the possibility of a publicly available database and data management system that would aid practitioners and agencies in producing reports and other outputs.
  6. Document ongoing results, key findings, short and long term goals of the project. Work with the communication managers of SESYNC and the Luc Hoffmann Institute on how best to communicate results from the above and other related work for target audiences, peer-reviewed publications and other relevant communication products and outlets
  7. Participate in other activities at SESYNC and the Luc Hoffmann Institute, through their fellowship programmes and other opportunities, to foster intellectual exchange on the dynamics of socio-environmental systems.

Required Qualifications, Skills, & Competencies 

  • PhD in the natural, environmental, or social sciences, or related discipline      
  • An interest in, commitment to, and proven ability to using data-driven, quantitative approaches to solving real-world conservation problems       
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Excellent command of English; other languages an asset
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team

Strongly Preferred

  • Competence in R, Matlab, or other programming environments.
  • Experience in statistics, modelling, and GIS.
  • Experience with relational database design, construction, management, and/or analysis.
  • Experience working with large, incomplete (i.e., with missing data), and/or heterogeneous datasets.
  • Adheres to WWF’s values, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

Eligibility

This fellow opportunity is open to candidates of all nationalities, gender and age.  We are specifically interested in hearing from those who have deep roots in the regions of the globe where conservation-science leadership is most needed, such as Africa and Madagascar, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America and the Caribbean.  Regardless of background, we are looking for highly skilled, interdisciplinary, action oriented candidates.For more information on the research associated with this position, visit www.sesync.org/mpa-performance.

Support

The SESYNC postdoctoral fellowship provides an annual stipend, full University of Maryland employee benefits, and a small annual travel allowance to attend meetings or to meet with collaborators.

For more information on SESYNC, visit www.SESYNC.org  

For more information on the Luc Hoffmann Institute, please visit www.luchoffmanninstitute.org

TO APPLY:  Preference will be given to applications received by October 20, 2103. Please submit cover letter, CV, and two professional references to: Sandrine Jimenez, Assistant to the Director, Luc Hoffmann Institute: sjimenez@wwfint.org.

The Luc Hoffmann Institute Mission

The Luc Hoffmann Institute was created by WWF, the world’s largest conservation organization, to respond to the most important questions facing conservation and sustainable development. A boundary organization by design, the Luc Hoffmann Institute connects research capacity and multi-disciplinary thought leaders from around the world with WWF’s global network of practitioners and scientists. Together, we synthesize existing knowledge, create new ideas and support collaborative innovation. In co-creating evidence-based solutions, we link the best available science to better policy planning and more effective field practices, to enable people and nature to thrive together on a living planet.

The University of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 Minorities and Women Are Encouraged to Apply

  

Applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship - Important Changes for 2013

"Applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship -- Important Changes for 2013" -- UNDERGRADS AND GRADUATE STUDENTS WELCOME

Tuesday, August 13 from 4 pm to 5 pm in Plant Sciences 1140
Wednesday, August 14 from 4 pm to 5 pm in Plant Sciences 1140

NOTE: THE TALK WILL HIGHLIGHT SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES FOR THE 2013 NSF APPLICATION AND DEADLINES.

TOPIC: The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship is one of the most prestigious and lucrative awards available for graduate studies in the natural sciences, math, engineering, social and behavioral sciences. This talk will offer advice and suggestions for using your summer to begin developing a highly effective NSF fellowship application. Graduate students who will be in their first or second year of graduate studies in fall 2013, and undergraduates at all levels are welcome to attend.

Please note: You must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply for the NSF graduate research fellowship

For more information, contact:
Francis P. Duvinage
National Scholarships Office ,
+1 301 314 9458
duvinage@umd.edu
scholarships.umd.edu


Fall Graduate Writing Fellow positions now open!!

Application accepted until August 20, 2013!

Why Be a Fellow?

  • A Writing Fellow appointment is a fellowship, not a paid tutoring position
  • Fellows receive $500 or $1000 in research funds in recognition of their service per Fall or Spring term ($200 or $400 per Summer term); funds may be used for research and conference travel, equipment, books, software, and more
  • Fellows are competitively selected from across all colleges
  • Fellows are an asset to their departments. Each Fellow individually develops a writing-in-the-disciplines project (a workshop, a writing guide, a template for legal writing, and much more) during the course of his or her service
  • The Writing Fellows program offers graduate students an opportunity for campus-wide service and recognition

Visit www.gradwritingfellows.umd.edu for more information and to apply today!

Website: www.gradwritingfellows.umd.edu

For more information, contact:
Emily Becker
Graduate Writing Fellows
gradwritingfellows@umd.edu
www.gradwritingfellows.umd.edu

 

USGS Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program (Round 14) - Application

Attached to this message is a brief announcement for the USGS Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program - Round 14.  

The application deadline is September 20, 2013. 

For examples of recent research under the Mendenhall Program, please visit: http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/profiles/index.html

Thank you,  

R. K. Kotra

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rama K. Kotra, Ph.D.
Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI)
U.S Geological Survey, MS 911, Reston, VA 20192, USA
Tel: 703-648-6271 (USGS), 703-966-2610 (Cell/Mobile),
Fax: 703-648-6683, E-mail: rkotra@usgs.gov
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USGS: http://www.usgs.gov
 OSQI: http://www.usgs.gov/quality_integrity/
 USGS Mendenhall  Program: http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment

GA Opening - Memorial Chapel

The Memorial Chapel and MICA are seeking a 20-hour Graduate Assistant for Interfaith Programs and Spiritual Diversity to begin in August. This position is open to both Master's and doctoral students enrolled as full-time graduate students.  Direct experience in program design and student organization advising is preferred, although transferable experiences are acceptable; candidates should possess an openness to individuals of varied faith backgrounds.

Interested individuals must apply for the position through University human resources at this link: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/20140.  The position is open until filled, with the best consideration date listed as August 2, 2013.  Questions may be directed to Denise McHugh, Chapel Coordinator, at dmchugh@umd.edu.

Website: chapel.umd.edu

For more information, contact:
Denise McHugh
301-314-9893
 dmchugh@umd.edu

 

Beyond the Classroom is seeking a Graduate Assistant for 2013-2014 Academic Year (9.5 month position)!

Beyond the Classroom (BTC) Living and Learning Program is seeking a Graduate Assistant to contribute to helping prepare undergraduate students for professional leadership in the nonprofit and civil society sector.

Title: Graduate Assistant
Department: UGST-Dean-Beyond the Classroom
Posting Number: X0004057
Job Summary: The Beyond the Classroom (BTC) Living and Learning Program, which focuses on civic engagement and social change in a global context,  is seeking a Graduate Assistant to contribute to helping prepare undergraduate students for professional leadership in the nonprofit and civil society sector.

DUTIES: 
• Compiling, writing, and disseminating the BTC Program Updates listserv to students, and assisting with social media outreach strategies and efforts.
• Coordinating all aspects of the recruitment process including: outreach to student groups and in courses; making presentations about the program; attending targeted events; answering student inquiries; collecting and organizing applications; and following up with admitted students about program requirements.
• Supporting curricular and extracurricular activities of the program, including planning and coordinating events such as seminars, film series, receptions, community service opportunities, civic learning trips, career forums, and course- related activities.
• Advising Beyond the Classroom’s students about community service, internship and experiential learning opportunities.
• Developing and implementing marketing campaigns, including the writing, design, duplication and, distribution of program newsletters, press releases, etc. 
• Actively participating in the BTC community.
• Assisting with other duties to be delegated by the Director, based on the candidate’s skills, interests, and expertise.

DESIRED SKILLS:
• Effective written and oral communication skills, attention to detail and highly organized.
• Team player who works well in a collaborative, dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Committed to and passionate about social, political, and civic issues; and able to think critically about those issues.
• Able to use various social media platforms as well as develop creative strategies to maximize their input.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Must be currently enrolled in a full-time graduate degree program at the University of Maryland, College Park. Candidates in any major and college are eligible to apply, but with a preference for those candidates who are committed to multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural, and global perspectives. Demonstrated ability and interest in working with undergraduate students in an interdisciplinary and integrative living and learning program focused on civic engagement and social change in a global context. Prior teaching, communications, and advising experience is very helpful. Please note that this position requires working some evening and weekend hours.

PREFERENCES: Preference will be given to candidates with previous community service experience and/or experience in the nonprofit and civil society sector.

STIPEND: This assistantship requires 20 hours of work per week. Beginning stipend for this Graduate Assistant (9.5-month) position is $ 16,577.16. The proposed starting date for this position is August 26, 2013.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INFORMATION: As a fringe benefit, the Graduate Assistantship (GA) provides up to ten credit hours of tuition remission for each of the Fall and Spring semesters and up to four credits for the Winter session. In addition, the administrative graduate assistant will be eligible for employee health insurance.

TO APPLY: Please submit a comprehensive C.V. (with teaching and administrative background), the names and contact information for three references, a short writing sample about an important civic issue (3-5 pages) and a cover letter.

If you are interested in applying for this position, you can apply for the position on the University of Maryland employment site at: http://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/20240

*********************************

James V. Riker, Ph.D.

Director, Beyond the Classroom Living & Learning Program

University of Maryland

0200 Calvert Hall

College Park, MD 20742-9206 USA

Phone: 301-314-6622

Fax: 301-314-6623

E-mail: jriker@umd.edu

Web: www.BeyondTheClassroom.umd.edu

“Civic Engagement and Social Change in a Global Context”

********************************************

 

Graduate Assistant Position at UMCP

10 hr/week Graduate Assistant Position Announcement

University of Maryland, College Park

Global Communities is a two-year living-learning program in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS) for 130-150 first and second year undergraduate students. Students participate in an innovative curriculum and take part in various extracurricular activities, including monthly excursions that take advantage of our location next to the nation’s capital.

In addition, students are required to engage in a global experience, such as studying or providing service abroad, or working on international issues at an internship or volunteer opportunity in the US. All of this is designed with two goals in mind: to expand understanding of the problems and opportunities the interconnected world brings, and to provide experience working with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Graduate Assistant primarily provides programmatic, teaching, and student advising support for Global Communities. Specific responsibilities include:

Teaching and Advising

  • Teaching Assistant for BSGC100 – Student In the University: Global Communities (1 credit course)
  • Advise first year Global Communities students.
  • Grade course assignments and enter them into the course management website (ELMS).

Marketing and Recruitment

  • Assist with fall recruitment and admissions events.
  • Assist/develop marketing materials for co-curricular and community development events.
  •  Respond to student inquiries.

Communications and Web

  • Create content for marketing materials social media platforms and website.
  • Assist with social media outreach strategies and efforts.

Programming and General Office Assistance

  • Assist with co-curricular programs and alumni outreach.
  • Store and update student records, lesson plans, assignments, attendance.
  • Attend weekly staff meetings to consult on teaching and student issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Applicant must be a University of Maryland student enrolled in a graduate program; students in Higher Education Administration or Social Science disciplines preferred.
  • Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to international education, diversity, and appreciation for cultural differences.
  • Previous teaching experience strongly preferred.
  • Flexible schedule and willingness to work occasional nights and weekends.
  • Experience developing and executing academic and/or social programs preferred. 
  • Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in public speaking and in writing.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills, attention to detail and highly organized.
  • Team player who works well in a collaborative, dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

  • Studied or worked internationally.
  • Experience using and creating content for various social media platforms.
  • Previous work experience in a university setting.

STIPEND: This is a part-time position for $19.26/hour, 10 hours per week, beginning August 26 – December 13, 2013, with possible contract renewal January 13 – May 16, 2014. There are no tuition or health benefits with this position.

TO APPLY: Please submit a resume and the names and contact information for three references and a cover letter to:  Malaika Marable Serrano, Assistant Director for Global Communities: malaika@umd.edu.

For best consideration, please submit an application by: July 30, 2013.

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, gender, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, national origin, or political affiliation. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

 

Contest for Climate Adaptation Solutions

Rare and The Nature Conservancy have launched a contest that will award $20,000 to the best nature-based solution to climate adaptation, and we are actively seeking applicants and nominations.

Solution Search: Adapting to a Changing Climate aims to identify innovative and replicable climate adaptation solutions.

Academic institutions, NGOs and communities are all encouraged to submit their projects, and/or nominate others.  Applicants can submit their entries and view other submissions through July 19th atwww.solutionsearch.org.  Ten finalists will be selected by a panel of judges, and the public will vote for the winning solution in September. The winner will be featured in The Nature Conservancy's magazine and receive $20,000 to help replicate their solution around the world.

Please feel free to forward this email, tweet about it, and contact either Katie Velasco of Rare (kvelasco "at" rareconservation.org) , or Kerry Crisley (kcrisley "at"tnc.org) or myself (flowenstein "at" tnc.org)  with questions.

To track the contest on twitter follow @solutionsearch. I'll also be tweeting about it regularly via @flowenstein.

Regards,
Frank Lowenstein


Frank Lowenstein
Climate Adaptation Strategy Leader, Global Freshwater Team
Cell: 413-854-8319
Email: flowenstein@tnc.org<mailto:flowenstein@tnc.org>
Twitter: @flowenstein

 

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