Welcome to the Environmental Economics and Data Science Lab!
Estimates of the UN Human Development Index
from Sherman et al., 2023
In the Environmental Economics and Data Science Lab we study environmental influences on human systems and human influences on the environment using tools from economics and data science. We ask questions such as: how will climate change influence global agricultural productivity? To what degree can adaptation mitigate climate damages to agriculture? And how might human migration patterns change in response to climate change? We also develop new approaches for measuring socio-environmental outcomes using satellite imagery and using these estimates in scientific inference and policy evaluation. An example of this is our recent work producing high-resolution estimates of the United Nations Human Development Index.
About the graduate program
As a graduate student in the Environmental Economics and Data Science Lab you will have the opportunity to study and research within a world-class community of environmental economists from the Food and Resources Economics group as well as the Vancouver School of Economics. You will receive rigorous graduate-level training in economics and data science, paired with coursework in the natural sciences that best fit your research interests. Your MSc/PhD degree will be granted by the Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems program.
PhD students
Join us!
The Environmental Economics and Data Science Lab is currently seeking to accept a PhD student to start in September 2025. This PhD position will involve one project around agriculture and climate change.
Funding
The positions are guaranteed a minimum funding package of $35,000 each year for four years.
Research responsibilities
During their PhD, candidates are expected to lead one research project in collaboration with me. In addition, they are expected to develop innovative research projects broadly related to environmental, agricultural, resource or conservation economics. PhD students in FRE typically write three papers during their PhD, including a single-authored job market paper.
Qualifications
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Degree in economics or related quantitative field.
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Good data skills including econometrics and/or geospatial analysis.
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Proficiency in R or another relevant programming language.
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Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Application
For full consideration, please apply by November 15, 2024. The positions remain open until filled. Please send the following documents by email to jon.proctor@ubc.ca with “FRE PhD application” as the subject:
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A personal statement that describes concisely your past research experience, current research interests, and fit for the position (two-page maximum)
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Unofficial transcripts
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CV
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Contact information of three references
Diversity
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
Please don’t hesitate to email me a jon.proctor@ubc.ca with any questions about the application process or program. Shortlisted candidates will submit an application to work with me through the ISLFS PhD program by January 1st.