Ph.D. Position at Texas A&M University - Investigate Ecological and Economic Impact of Vegetation Management on Biodiversity in Solar Facilities

Texas A&M University

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Vacancy

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Description

The United Nations set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2050, thus increased reliance on and construction of new carbon-neutral energy facilities is a key component in achieving the UN’s carbon-neutral goal. Solar facilities development in the United States is identified as one of the frontrunners for carbon-neutral energy production and is projected to increase 3-4 times the current rate of construction. Concurrently, these solar farms eliminate hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon emissions annually while also transforming hundreds to thousands of acres to ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays and electrical infrastructure. Models predict that solar farms with native grasslands improve ecosystem services and increase pollinator biodiversity. However, we lack empirical evidence of the impact of vegetation management strategies employed by solar facilities on biodiversity in Texas. The goal of this project is to determine the ecological and economic impacts of current vegetation management strategies on biodiversity and compare them to alternative management strategies that may reduce costs and improve biodiversity metrics.

The successful candidate will work closely with faculty in February and March 2024 to finalize the full proposal, as per the research program requirements and the position is anticipated to begin in summer/fall 2024. The graduate student will be housed in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and field work will be completed in South Texas. Compensation is $2,800 per month.

Qualification

Required qualifications:
 🔆 M.S. degree in range and wildlife management or a closely related field conferred by May 2024.
 🔆 Strong oral and written communication skills.
 🔆 Demonstrated diligence and strong work ethic.
 🔆 Driver’s license and ability to conduct independent fieldwork in challenging conditions (e.g., heat, humidity, etc.).

Preferred qualifications:
 🔆 Working knowledge of South Texas plant identification.
 🔆 Field experience in range and wildlife sampling methods.
 🔆 Grant writing experience.
 🔆 Experience working with a variety of stakeholders.

The field work is scheduled for three years with an anticipated graduation date within 4 years.

To apply:
Please email a summary letter of interest and qualifications (3 pages max.) and CV to: Dr. Stacy L. Hines, Assistant Professor and Extension Rangeland Habitat Management Specialist: stacy.hines@ag.tamu.edu. Include Solar Biodiversity Ph.D. Assistantship in the email subject line. If you have any questions, please call me at 361-360-4533 (Direct) or 361-265-9203 (Office).