Unpaid Internships Available in Climate Change Adaptation Planning

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated students interested in learning more about the science and practice of climate change adaptation planning in New England.

Title:

Research Interns

Description:

We are looking for several motivated individuals interested in the social science of climate change adaptation planning.  We have three on-going or new research grants to research a method to support climate adaptation planning in coastal and fishing communities.  You will be part of a research team and will assist with the design, operation, and evaluation of VCAPS (vulnerability, consequences, and adaptation planning scenarios) workshops.  Workshops will be held in New Bedford (Fall 2012), Thomaston ME (Spring 2013), and Beaufort SC (Fall 2013).  VCAPS is a structured dialogue process that organizes local knowledge about climate change mitigation in a format that makes it usable for community planners and decision-makers.  You will also read the emerging literature on climate change adaptation and participate in discussions with the SERI team about new advances in this rapidly changing field.  You will be invited to attend the AAAS symposium on climate change adaptation we organized in Boston in February 2013 where you will meet other prominent climate researchers.

Skills Required:

You are interested in climate change adaptation planning and are committed to professional work ethics.  Knowledge of social science research methods and climate adaptation literature is a plus.  Ability to travel to the SERI office in Greenfield MA is a plus.

Type of Student desired:

Minimal requirement is that you are a first or second year graduate student.  We are especially interested in working with students who would like to do their Master’s Thesis on this topic.  If permitted by your university and if you desire, a researcher at SERI will serve as a committee member on your thesis committee.  If independent studies or internships can be arranged with your institution, we will be willing to oversee these.  Doctoral students are also encouraged to apply. Ability to travel is a plus, but not required.

Effort and Timing: 

You commit to work any of the following semesters:  Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Summer 2013, Fall 2013.  You must be willing to commit to working at least 100 hours, but it can be spread out over more than one semester.

Compensation:

No wages, but travel costs, if incurred, will be paid.

Benefits:

You will work with a team of experienced social scientists and be involved in every aspect of the research project.  You will receive training in concept mapping, interviewing, and qualitative data analysis.  You will meet other scholars in the field.  We plan to publish a scientific paper and you will be a co-author.

Contact: 

Thomas Webler  (twebler[at]seri-us[dot org])

Social and Environmental Research Institute (SERI)

Greenfield Massachusetts

http://seri-us.org/www.seri-us.org/content/MA-Coastal-Hazard-Mitigation-Planning