Graduate Research Assistant

Graduate Research Assistant
Urban Ecology Research Laboratory
Position available: 09/16/2008
To ensure consideration, apply by: 08/08/2008

As part of an NSF Biocomplexity project, the Urban Ecology Research Laboratory is seeking a currently registered Ph.D student to serve as a Research Assistant (RA) (20h/week) to participate in land cover change model development. The RA is encouraged to develop a portion of his/her thesis research on the topic of land cover change modeling methods and applications, and will work directly with Prof. Marina Alberti (Urban Design and Planning). The RA position will provide 50% support and tuition wavier for up to 12 months, beginning Autumn Quarter 2008. Although initial appointment will be made through Fall 2008, the appointment will be renewed as long as good progress is being made on the project.

Further information about the UW Biocomplexity project and urban ecology research laboratory is available at: http://www.urbaneco.washington.edu/

Expected Duties:
The student will be expected to conduct research and participate in land cover change model development at the Urban Ecology Research Lab. We are looking for a student with strong interest in human-natural interactions and strong quantitative skills with experience in spatial analysis, statistics, and modeling.

How to Apply

Please send resume and cover letter to:
Lucy Hutyra
Research Manager, UERL
Campus Box 355740
lrhutyra@u.washington.edu

Requirements:

• Academic standing as a UW Graduate Student and eligibility to hold a Graduate Student Assistantship beginning Autumn 2008 and be prepared to maintain full-time graduate status over the full course of the next 12 months
• Strong computer skills (including GIS, python programming, and statistics)
• Ability to follow instructions while also working independently
• Genuine interest in Puget Sound ecology, land cover change dynamics and modeling

Jensen Fellowship for French Language

The Phi Beta Kappa Society is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Walter J. Jensen Fellowship for French Language, Literature, and Culture. The Fellowship, which includes a stipend of at least $13,000 plus round-trip airfare, is available to support six months of continuous study and residency in France in the interests of providing scholars and educators a thorough and accurate understanding of French language, literature, and culture. The scholarship is ideal for recent graduates of French and/or Education programs, especially those committed to teaching French at the secondary level or above.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens under the age of 40 who can demonstrate their career does or will involve active use of the French language. They must have earned a B.A. from an accredited four-year institution, and a 3.0 minimum GPA in French language and literature as a major.

The application may be downloaded at www.pbk.org or a paper copy can be picked up the Grants and Funding Information Service Office by appointment.

ASE Graduate Student Assistant

http://depts.washington.edu/owrc

The Odegaard Writing & Research Center (OWRC) seeks a Graduate Student Assistant/Research Assistant to manage the center for the 2008-09 academic year. The Odegaard Writing & Research Center (OWRC) is in its fourth year of operations as a collaboration between the College of Arts & Sciences and the University of Washington Libraries.

Duties

• Training, overseeing, assessing and otherwise supporting student writing tutors.

• Developing supporting materials for the operation of the center and training of tutors.

• Locating and developing College-wide sources for possible writing tutors.

• Performing general administrative duties, such as scheduling meetings, managing the budget, tracking student usage to forecast the number of tutors needed each week/quarter, verifying time sheets, writing reports, keeping, organizing, and reporting relevant records, following-up on emails, photocopying.

• Attending meetings with Odegaard library administrators, the Director of the College of Arts & Sciences Writing Program, and other university entities.

• Developing independent ideas on potential projects, organizational strategies, and future goals for the OWRC.

• Publicizing the OWRC with faculty and students.

• Managing the database, OWRC website and center computer stations.

• Networking with other writing centers on campus.

• Working as a tutor for students in the OWRC. Summer work will include tutor support for Discovery Seminar offerings;

• Working with library professionals on incorporating research information into the writing and tutorial process.

• Flexibly taking on other tasks as they arise.

To apply
Submit letter of application, current CV, and contact information for three references to:

Professor John Webster, Director of Writing for the College of Arts & Sciences
Department of English 354330
Email: cicero@u.washington.edu

Applications are due August 1, 2008. Interviews will be completed within two weeks of application deadline. Starting date to be negotiated, but preferred as soon as practically possible after completion of interviews.

TEACHING ASSISTANT, Fish 447 & 547

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (www.fish.washington.edu) anticipates a part-time (50% FTE), temporary (Dec. 16, 2008 – June 15, 2009) Teaching Assistantship will be available for Winter and Spring 2009 to cover the following two courses:

Fish 447 – Watershed Ecology and Management
Quarter Offered: Winter 2009
Instructor Name: Prof. Robert J. Naiman
Days and times of lectures, field trips:
Lecture: Th, 9:30-11:20
Field Trips: Usually two, dates TBD, but usually on Fridays
Course Website: FISH 447

Fish 547 – Stream and River Ecology
Quarter Offered: Spring 2009
Instructor Name: Prof. Robert J. Naiman
Days and times of lectures, field trips:
Lecture: T, Th, 12:30-1:50
Lab: Th, 2-5
Field Trips: Usually three, including Friday during the day and weekends; dates TBD
Course Website: FISH 547

Responsibilities include:

- Academic standing as a UW Graduate Student and eligibility to hold a Graduate Student Assistantship
- Availability for full appointment timeframe: December 16, 2008 – June 15, 2009
- Ability to give students feedback on writing
- Proficiency with Word and Excel
- Ability to work independently and coordinate multiple varied tasks simultaneously
- Current Animal Care Certification (online course; must have by start of course if hired)
- Current certification in First Aid, CPR (or must have by start of course, if hired)
- Current Drivers License
- UW Motorpool van driver training by start of course
- Participation in both the UW Teaching Asst Conference and the COFS Practical TA Training in mid-late September 2008. Also, participation in the UW laboratory safety training, if not already completed.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration

Desired:

- Teaching or TA experience, or satisfactory completion of FISH 447 and/or FISH 547
- Web site maintenance experience

Condition of Employment:

- Valid drivers license
- Currently registered UW graduate student

Application Process:

Part of the application process for this position includes completing an on-line cover letter assessment as well as the Employment Eligibility Assessment at UW Hires to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.

In the cover letter assessment, please:

- Identify strengths you would bring to this position
-Explain your relevant background abilities
-Give contact information for 2-3 references (name, title, phone, email) familiar with your teaching and/or research abilities.

Preference will be given to applications received by August 10, 2008. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Graduate Staff Assistant - Department of Engineering

CELT has a dual mission: to improve teaching and learning in the UW College of Engineering and to do research on engineering education. The work we do in each of these areas is synergistic, meaning each area informs and increases our impact in the other. CELT has an outstanding opportunity for a GRADUATE STAFF ASSISTANT. This individual will help support the instructional development activities of our center. This person will work with the Assistant Director in developing web and paper-based teaching resources for engineering faculty. The graduate student staff assistant will research teaching issues, and aid the Assistant Director in designing workshops on teaching issues, developing assessment plans, syllabi, and curricula, and in preparation of related publications and presentation materials. This person will also have some design and maintenance responsibilities for the CELT web site and work to develop its functionality as a teaching resource and a web-based outlet for dissemination of CELT research. The duration of this appointment is three quarters, starting September 16, 2008, and the position runs through June 15th, 2009.

Requirements:

The position is open to graduate students at the University of Washington. Ideal applicants will have excellent writing and personal communication skills, experience with Web design and maintenance, and have a passion for educational improvement. Ideal applicants will also have experience in one or more areas related to engineering education, document design, or learning science research. How to Apply: In addition to applying to this position through the UW Hires online system, please send a cover letter and resume or CV to Jim Borgford-Parnell at the following email address: bparnell@engr.washington.edu Applications must be received by July 24th, 2008. Applicants will be notified of their status on or before August 15th, 2008. Application inquiries may be made with: Jim Borgford-Parnell Assistant Director Center for Engineering Learning and Teaching (CELT) University of Washington, Box 352180 Seattle, WA 98195-2180 Email: bparnell@engr.washington.edu

Graduate Research Assistantship Available to Assist Puget Sound Nearshore Science Team

A federal, state and local partnership has been established to support the development of large-scale ecosystem restoration of Puget Sound nearshore shorelines, estuaries and deltas. This initiative, the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP) is under the auspices of the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The University is playing a prominent role through contribution to PSNERP's 12-member Nearshore Science Team (NST). As part of the project, the NST is seeking a currently registered graduate student to serve as a Research Assistant (RA) to support the NST's activities and to utilize this activity as a thesis topic on science and policy issues in ecosystem restoration.

The RA will likely be expected to conduct his/her thesis research on the topic of stakeholder participation in large-scale environmental restoration, and will work directly with Profs. Tom Leschine (Marine Affairs) and Charles ("Si") Simenstad (Aquatic and Fishery Sciences). The RA position will provide 50% support and tuition wavier for up to 12-18 months, beginning Summer or Autumn Quarter 2008, which will likely be renewable for an additional 9-12 months (2009-2010 school year). Although initial appointment will be made through Spring 2009, appointment will be renewed as long as good progress is being made on the project and funding remains available.

Further information about the PSNERP and the NST is available at: http://www.pugetsoundnearshore.org/what.htm

Expected Duties:
Conduct thesis/dissertation work in line with goals of the grant. Assist the science team in development of planning documents, research summaries, and review of current states of scientific knowledge and policy that will guide nearshore habitat restoration. The RA will be responsible for developing and maintaining the meeting minutes and updating the NST website. The work would be performed on campus but require attending meetings two days a month at University and government offices around Puget Sound, as well as some other incidental travel.

Qualifications:
The student should have a Washington State driver's license, be eligible for a Graduate Student Assistantship, beginning Summer or Autumn 2008, and be prepared to maintain full-time graduate status over the full course of the appointment, including the 2009 Summer Quarter.

Desired: The student should be very familiar with library research resources, efficient at
synthesizing complex information, have basic to advanced computer skills (including GIS and web site maintenance preferred), the ability to work independently, feel comfortable speaking in groups, and have a genuine interest in Puget Sound ecology, policy development and ecosystem restoration.

To Apply:
Students must apply through the UWHires website. You may find this job description and process for applying at: http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/apl/index.html Please search for "Academic Student Employees" under category.

You will need to submit a resume and cover letter that includes the following:
1) identify strengths you would bring to this position; 2) your background and abilities directly related to this specific course; 3) contact information for 2-3 references (name, title, phone,
email) familiar with your research abilities.
Please also submit an unofficial transcript.

Preference will be given to applications received by Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Decisions and notification to all applicants will be communicated by Friday, July 25, 2008.

Research Assistant for IGERT Evaluation by the Center for Innovation and Research in Graduate Education

IGERTs (Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship) are National Science Foundation-funded interdisciplinary PhD programs which train students to work in interdisciplinary research and problem-solving teams. Professional and personal skill-building, as well as interdisciplinary analysis are core features of the curriculum. CIRGE is seeking a temporary (9/16/08 – 6/15/09), part-time (50% FTE) Research Assistant to help conduct evaluations of what works in these programs, to inform both the program and the larger university community on ways to improve and innovate in graduate education.

Evaluation tasks include conducting and analyzing structured interviews and/or focus groups with students, staff, faculty and others involved in the program; summarizing results of an on-line IGERT student survey; observation and documentation of program activities.

Requirements:

• Academic standing as a UW Graduate Student and eligibility to hold a Graduate Student Assistantship

• Experience in interviewing using a structured interview protocol, and in producing summary notes of the interviews within the next few days. Experience in analyzing interviews.

• Experience in conducting focus group interviews and analyzing interviews.

• Knowledge about human subject protocol requirements in conducting interviews and maintaining confidentiality, obtaining formal written permission from participants, etc. Ability to maintain confidentiality and anonymity with respect to interview, survey, and focus group statements by individuals.

• Good organizational and time management skills to be used in scheduling, and keeping records.

• Ability to work independently on occasion, and willingness to ask for guidance when desired.

• Availability for full appointment time frame (Sept.16th - Jun. 15th)

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired:

• Experience in analyzing group behavior

• Interest in interdisciplinary and/or innovative approaches to graduate education

Condition of Employment:

• Must be a full-time graduate student registered for 10 credits

• Must be a PhD candidate

Terms:
Research Assistants are required to register for a minimum of ten credits per quarter (2 in summer). The salary schedule is available at: Graduate Student Variable RA Rates.

Application Process:
Part of the application process for this position includes completing an on-line cover letter assessment found here as well as the Employment Eligibility Assessment to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. The assessments will appear on your screen for you to complete as soon as you select "Apply to this Position" on the posted job announcement. Once you begin the assessment, it must be completed at that time. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until the assessment is complete.

In the cover letter assessment, please:

• identify strengths you would bring to this position;

• contact information for 2-3 references (name, title, phone, email) familiar with your research abilities.

Preference will be given to applications received by July 22, 2008. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Decisions and notification to all applicants will be communicated by the week of August 4, 2008.

West Coast Poverty Center Dissertation Fellowships

Applications due August 15, 2008, 5:00 p.m.

The West Coast Poverty Center, jointly sponsored by the U.W. School of Social Work, the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, and the College of Arts and Sciences, invites applications from U.W. doctoral students for the 2007-2008 West Coast Poverty Center Dissertation Fellowships.

The Center will award one quarter of support for up to three doctoral students conducting outstanding research on poverty, poverty-related issues, and anti-poverty policy in the U.S.

AWARD: The one-quarter Dissertation Fellowships will provide tuition and a stipend for Fall 2008 or Winter, Spring, or Summer 2009.

ELIGIBILITY: Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches are all encouraged as are submissions from scholars in any discipline. Applicant must be Ph.D. student in good standing at the University of Washington. Applicant must have advanced to candidacy and have an approved dissertation plan at the start of the funding period. Priority will be given to applicants finishing their dissertations within 12 months of the start of funding.

For more information please go to http://wcpc.washington.edu/funding/grantannounce.shtml