Master’s of Science Graduate Research Assistantship in Community Sustainability
University of Wyoming, Haub School of Environment Natural Resources
Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant, Community Sustainability
Compensation: $22,584 annual stipend (12 months, 20 hrs./ week contract) + tuition and fees ($12,555) + fringe benefits ($745) = total package: $35,884/yr
Organization: University of Wyoming, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources
Location: Laramie, WY, with occasional regional travel
Duration: 21-24 months, beginning August 2025.
Application deadline: February 10, 2025
Overview: Dr. Grete Gansauer is recruiting one or more Graduate Research Assistants (GRA) jointly funded by the US Department of Agriculture and the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources for a two-year position. The GRA will conduct social science and policy research on one of three community sustainability project tracks (described below), toward a Master of Science (MS) in Environment, Natural Resources and Society at University of Wyoming. The successful applicant should have an interest in community sustainability and/or natural resource development in rural settings, and be prepared to conduct applied research through stakeholder interviews, policy and document analysis, and field site visits. Compensation includes an annual 12-month stipend + tuition waiver, as the student conducts research and completes coursework toward their MS thesis.
Project Tracks: The GRA will focus on one of three project areas described below as their masters thesis, with latitude to determine their specific research questions and study design:
- Social impacts of renewable energy development:As Wyoming takes an ‘all of the above’ strategy to energy development, this direction examines the social and community impacts of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure developments within local, state and federal policy context. It asks, broadly: how sustainable is renewable energy development for host communities?
- Regional development through climate technologies innovation:The US recently invested over $100 Billion in place-based industrial policy efforts to address national green technologies innovation goals. This research direction examines the regional economic and place-based community development effects of case study programs in Wyoming and Colorado.
- Rural foundational economy:Rural regions sometimes lack the scale, public resources, and population density to sustainably provision everyday economic services such as food, banking, health/child/elder care, and basic utilities such as drinking water and broadband. This direction aims to produce policy-and-planning-relevant research examining the health of the so-called ‘foundational economy’ in Wyoming rural communities.
Qualifications: Ideal candidates for this position will possess outstanding written and oral communication skills, have experience collaborating or working as part of a team, have experience conducting research or stakeholder outreach, and an interest in social science or human dimensions research. Candidates should have an interest in rural communities and a desire to work with diverse stakeholder groups and ideological viewpoints. Candidates should show creative and flexible thinking, be self-motivated, and able to work independently with guidance and support from project collaborators. Preferred candidates will have experience with applied community engagement efforts or policy analysis, and/or social science methods and interview methodologies.
- BS or BA in any field will be considered with preference for candidates with degrees in geography, environmental studies, economics, political science or related fields.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Formal application and admission to the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming is required subsequent to selection of the successful candidate. GRE scores are NOT required. Anticipated start date is August 2025.
How to apply: Please send the following materials in PDF form to Dr. Grete Gansauer at grete.gansauer@uwyo.edu with the subject “MS Position, Your Name“. This packet should include:
(1) Cover letter/narrative (2 pages max.) that articulates your desire to pursue graduate education, which project track interests you and why, and your career goals. Please highlight your relevant skills and experience.
(2) Resume or CV including degree(s) earned (and/or expected completion date, if currently enrolled), undergraduate GPA, and contact information for at least three references
Application deadline February 10, 2025
Zoom interviews will be conducted in February with the goal of making an offer in March.
Feel free to reach out to Dr. Grete Gansauer with inquiries.
About the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources
The Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming fosters interdisciplinary learning, research, and community engagement to address complex environmental and natural resource challenges. With a focus on collaboration and impact, the Haub School connects students, faculty, and community partners to advance environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and conservation efforts regionally and globally. Students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and access to Wyoming’s unique ecological and cultural landscapes, making the Haub School a hub for transformative education and research.