Part-Time Hourly Research Assistant - Wainger Group
Position Description: An interdisciplinary research group at the University of Maryland Center for
Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (UMCES-CBL) is seeking an hourly Research
Assistant to work on multiple projects combining environmental science, economics and public policy,
with primary effort on a funded 3-year project examining the costs and benefits of alternative
treatments for cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in freshwater systems. CyanoHABs are
a nationwide concern due to their widespread and increasing impact on ecosystem services from
freshwater systems. The proposed research will characterize economic benefits of preventing, treating
and mitigating effects of cyanoHABs in freshwater lakes and reservoirs, using a multi-method approach.
Other research topics include evaluating policies to promote sustainable agro-ecosystems and economic
incentives for nature based solutions to water pollution.
The researcher will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers including economists and
ecologists and gain knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Primary activities in the
job will include reviewing literature, building spreadsheet databases, contacting government officials to
gather data, and analyzing data using statistical software. In addition, the project will have a substantial
qualitative data collection component, and the researcher may be involved in any of the following steps:
preparing materials for human subjects’ interviews and focus groups; ensuring high quality transcripts
and/or notes from participant meetings; and qualitative data analysis. Finally, the researcher will help
prepare materials for public communication of results, and contribute to published manuscripts. Other
duties may be assigned as needed.
The position provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of science and policy on fundamentally
challenging socio-ecological questions. The successful candidate will interact with researchers, planners
and policy makers in several regions of the US. The appointee will have opportunities to collaborate with
scientists across UMCES (www.umces.edu) and Morgan State University PEARL
Qualifications: An MS degree or equivalent experience in Environmental Economics, Ecology, Public
Health, Environmental Anthropology, or a related field is required. Applicants should have experience
collecting, organizing and analyzing data using statistical programs in addition to excellent written and
oral communication skills. GIS, R and quantitative modeling experience are desirable. Qualitative
research skills and/or interest is a plus. Salary will be commensurate with experience within a range of
$28-$38 per hour.
Anticipated start date: March 2024
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on February 22, 2024 but continue until position
is filled. Applications should include CV, statement of research interests, and names/addresses of three
references in one PDF file and send via an email of interest to researcher-wainger@umces.edu.
UMCES is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals with disabilities, veterans, women and minorities
are encouraged to apply
Location:
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
Friday, February 9, 2024