Description
*Please note that you must also apply to the appropriate graduate program by its deadline – see Application Process below for instructions.*
POSITION
The Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont (UVM) is recruiting exceptional PhD students to start fall 2023. The Gund Institute is a campus-wide center for interdisciplinary research, where over 250 faculty, global affiliates, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students collaborate widely to understand the interactions among ecological, social, and economic systems. Applications are due January 12, 2023.
The Gund Institute focuses on environmental issues at the interface of five pressing themes: climate solutions, health and well-being, sustainable agriculture, resilient communities, and equity and justice.
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive environment where diverse voices and perspectives are active and welcome (see diversity statement below). We encourage applicants who bring diverse perspectives to our community.
CURRENT OFFERS
- Gund Institute Research Assistantship: We seek PhD students working on the Gund Institute’s five research themes, and especially the connections among them. Student’s primary advisor must be a Gund Fellow. Students will receive four years of support, typically three years of this assistantship (at least $32,000 stipend per year) plus a fourth year of teaching assistantships or other support from the home department (department stipends may vary). Also covered with this assistantship are tuition and UVM’s student health insurance. Funded students also have access to professional development trainings and funds for conference participation and research costs. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously studied at UVM and who already have a Master’s degree, but all qualified candidates will be considered. These assistantships are for individuals who have not yet started their PhDs.
- Gund Barrett Engineering Doctoral Fellowship: (Open to applicants pursuing doctoral degrees in engineering with environmental applications.) This fellowship opportunity is the result of a collaboration between the Gund Institute and UVM’s engineering programs within the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS), and is supported by The Barrett Foundation. Selected students will receive up to four years of funding renewed annually based on performance. These funds cover an annual stipend of $35,000, plus tuition, and UVM’s student health insurance. Primary faculty advisors must be a Gund Fellow or Gund Affiliate from UVM Engineering (Biomedical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering). While these fellowships are open to existing UVM graduate students as well as new applicants from outside UVM, priority for these fellowships will be given to new doctoral applicants from outside UVM. These fellows will also have access to funds for conference participation and research costs. These fellows will be required to help mentor undergraduate Barrett scholars working on environmental research over the summer months.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applications will be reviewed against five main criteria:
- academic qualifications,
- research experience,
- clearly articulated research interests and alignment with potential advisor(s),
- fit with the Gund’s research themes,
- commitment and contributions to diversity and inclusiveness
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Contact potential advisors directly to discuss your interests: Identify a Gund Fellow (Gund Fellow or Gund Affiliate if applying to the Barrett Fellowship) who can serve as your advisor and email them. It is important that you confirm their interest and eligibility to serve as your advisor. They must have an appointment in the college you are applying to. Advisors for the Barrett Fellowship must have an appointment in Biomedical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Apply to the appropriate UVM college or school by its deadline (deadlines vary among schools). Indicate in your application statement that you are applying for a Gund Institute Research Assistantship. If you are applying to the Barrett Fellowship and you are already a PhD student at UVM, you can skip this step.
- Complete the separate Gund Institute Application, which complements the information provided in the application to your UVM college or school. To access this application, click the “apply” button on the upper right of this page. If you are not affiliated with UVM you will need to use the “Login for Other Users” option. You will see a “Register” button on the bottom right. Click this button and create an account with a user name and password. You will then be able to log into the system using the “Login for Other Users” box. This application is due at 11:59 EST on January 12, 2023.
- The Gund Institute application must include a statement of interest (2 pages max). In the statement of interest, be sure to address how your interests and experience align with the Gund Institute themes, especially any interactions among them. Also be sure to address how your background, research, and/or experience would contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment. Include the specific PhD degree you want to pursue and be sure to describe any initial discussions with potential advisors. If applying to a Barrett Fellowship in engineering, include how you will address a pressing environmental issue. Please put your name at the top of your statement. (If you are applying for a Gund Barrett Fellowship and are already a PhD student at UVM, you should also attach an updated C.V. with your statement of interest.)
NOTE: in the “proposal title” field please just type your name. No proposal is required.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Gund Institute for Environment strives to build a diverse and inclusive community of scholars and leaders, because it is essential to our mission and central to our vision for a sustainable world.
We define “diversity” as the full spectrum of cultural and socioeconomic affiliations that characterize individuals within society, and “inclusion” as valuing the contributions of that diversity to our work and community.
A diverse and inclusive institute will enhance the relevance and impact of our work, ensure our solutions represent those most affected by environmental challenges, address environmental injustice, diversify the environmental leadership of the future, and train those leaders to operate in diverse teams and environments.
Voluntary Demographic Information:
The voluntary demographic information requested is used to assist us in record keeping and reporting. It will be kept separate from your application and will be used for statistical compilation and analysis.
ABOUT UVM
Since 1791, the University of Vermont has worked to move humankind forward. Today, UVM is a Public Ivy and top 100 research university of a perfect size, large enough to offer a breadth of ideas, resources, and opportunities, yet small enough to enable close faculty-student mentorship across all levels of study, from bachelor’s to M.D. programs. Here, students’ educational experience and activities are enriched by our location — from the energy and innovation of Burlington to the forests, farms, and independent spirit of Vermont. UVM provides students endless ways to explore the world, challenge ideas, and dig in on the most pressing issues of our time.
Learn more about Burlington, Vermont, a top college town, known for its livability, access to nature and recreation, thriving food scene, and rising identity as a technology and innovation hub.
Questions?
Contact Bailey Rowland: Bailey.Rowland@uvm.edu
