Dr. Motallebi is recruiting a Ph.D. student to join the Climate-Smart Grown in SC project. This position entails collaborating with an interdisciplinary group of faculty, Extension Associates, and non-profit organizations to investigate the marketability of climate-smart wood products. The most important part of this study will be focused on consumers’ willingness to pay for climate-smart wood products and the wood industry’s willingness to process these products. This study requires a significant amount of interaction and communication with loggers, timber buyers, and forest owners. The specific objectives of the research will be in line with the project and program goals. The student will serve as a Research Assistant for this three-year project.

Applicants should have a strong background in natural resource economics (specifically non-market valuation), applied statistics, social sciences, or related disciplines. The successful candidate would have a strong background in econometrics and forestry production. They must be proficient in GIS or will need to take advanced GIS courses. A MS degree is required for Ph.D. applicants. Experience in the field – forest economics, agricultural economics, ecological economics, conservation planning, working with academic and non-academic agencies, and previous research experiences are strongly preferred. The successful applicant will work in an interdisciplinary environment and will collaborate with the research teams of Dr. Joan Ureta (post-doctoral fellow), Clemson Cooperative Extension, and Dr. Michael Vassalos. Aside from non-market valuation, the student will also have a chance to learn ecosystem-based models.

Dr. Motallebi’s advising style is through one-to-one interaction. She enjoys regular updates, online problem solving, and in-person discussion. In her lab, students work as a team, helping each other and asking a lot of questions. As a part of this team, we expect to see this Ph.D. student successfully navigate the journey to becoming a scholar in Forestry and Environmental Conservation. The candidate we are looking for is independent, organized, self-motivated, and driven to find answers to complex issues.

To apply, please send your resume, transcripts (unofficial is accepted), and names and contact information for three references to Dr. Marzieh Motallebi at (mmotall@clemson.edu) by May 20, 2024. After an initial screening and interview, we will discuss the Clemson University Graduate School admissions process. You should be prepared to submit a complete Clemson Graduate School application.

Compensation will be at least $25,000 per year, plus tuition, research, and travel support.

Start date is Aug 1st, 2024.