Graduate research assistant: Smallholder agricultural systems in the developing countries

The Department of Geography in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment at the University of Delaware is seeking a graduate research assistant (RA) interested in the smallholder agricultural systems in the developing countries to join our program as soon as fall semester (September) 2018, or as late as spring semester (February) 2019. The RA position is for two years (MS) with a possibility for extension (PhD) contingent upon funding, and satisfactory performance.

The geography department is a nationally and internationally recognized department that offers undergraduate degrees in Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, and Meteorology and Climatology, a Master’s degree in Geography, and Ph.D. degrees in both Climatology and Geography, and a graduate-level certificate program in Geographic Information Science.

The RA position provides an annual stipend of $26,666, a tuition waiver, and subsidized health insurance. The RA will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Pinki Mondal at the University of Delaware and will interact with project members in the US and India. The position is fully funded for the first two years with no teaching responsibilities; but if extended, the RA should also expect modest teaching responsibilities.

Interested applicants should send a brief letter of interest and a copy of their CV (including GPA and GRE scores) via email to Dr. Pinki Mondal (mondalp@udel.edu) by May 31 prior to formally applying to UD Graduate School. While the final application deadlines are July 1, 2018 (Fall 2018) and December 1, 2018 (Spring 2019 – only for MS), earlier applications are encouraged. Women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate is either familiar with or interested in geospatial (remote sensing/GIS) applications in environmental sciences. Prior experience in Google Earth Engine (GEE) and/or R is a plus, but not mandatory. We are looking for a candidate who has (i) an interest in interdisciplinary research, and (ii) good oral communication and writing skills. The ideal candidate also has attention to detail and willingness and ability to follow instructions carefully and work independently.

Specific RA responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): (1) processing and interpreting satellite images, (2) collecting quantitative data in rural India (as soon as summer 2019), (3) analyzing quantitative data, (4) assisting investigators with other research-related project activities, and (5) presenting findings at scientific meeting and submitting journal articles. While the RA will assist with the project objectives, he/she will be encouraged to develop his/her own thesis (or dissertation if extended) research questions to pursue within the context of the broader project.

Required qualifications include: (1) GPA 3.4 or equivalent, and (2) GRE Verbal: 155, Quantitative: 157, Analytical: 4.

The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of America’s best universities to work for in 2012, the University of Delaware is located midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore, and is a Sea Grant, Space Grant, and Land Grant institution.