Seeking a motivated graduate student (MS or PhD) with an interest in the social science of sustainable agricultural systems for a Graduate Research Assistantship at the University of Georgia.

This position involves developing interdisciplinary knowledge and skills related to the practical, sociocultural, and policy-level barriers to cover crop adoption. It is part of a USDA-funded, multi-state project that aims to enhance water and food security through improved adoption and management of cover crops in the Mid-Atlantic. This “science in society”-oriented project will involve literature review, fieldwork to collect mixed methods qualitative data through interviews, Q method, and participant observation with farmers, as well as qualitative data analysis, some statistical analysis, and academic writing. It will also entail working with Extension personnel to develop community-based social marketing strategies to support cover crop adoption and working with policy experts to inform policy recommendations.

This is Graduate Research Assistantship is located in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at UGA, ideally beginning June 2019. It includes tuition and a research stipend. The student will have the opportunity to pursue a Sustainable Agriculture Area of Emphasis, as well as an Interdisciplinary Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience related to sustainable agriculture and cover crops, interest and experience in anthropology and qualitative research methods, basic statistical knowledge, and excellent writing skills.

First generation college students and students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Please submit CV and letter of interest by March 1, 2019 to:

Dr. Jennifer Jo Thompson

Department of Crop & Soil Sciences

University of Georgia

jjthomp@uga.edu

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