PhD position at Florida International University

A PhD student position is available in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Florida International University in Miami, FL. The project is estimated to last for a period of 3 years under the supervision of Professor F. Miralles-Wilhelm.

The position is funded through collaboration with the Everglades Foundation (Dr. G. M. Naja http://biosorption.mcgill.ca/home_gn/najawww.htmand R. G. Rivero http://serc.fiu.edu/rivero.php) and the FIU Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering (Dr. Miralleshttp://web.eng.fiu.edu/~miralles/fmwme/index.htm) and Economics (Dr. Bhat http://www.fiu.edu/~bhatm/).

Research groups at the FIU and in the Everglades Foundation have focused on water quality and transport modeling in the Everglades. The research project outcome will provide foundations of a regional phosphorus cap and trade policy similar to carbon emissions trading.


Qualifications: The successful multidisciplinary applicant will understand and apply engineering and economics methodologies as well as remote sensing techniques. The proposed work will focus on the application of ecological-economics approach to environmental problem-solving through offering direct incentives for decreasing the phosphorus level in the runoff using tradeable emission. The successful applicant will be using laboratory techniques and computer software for the analysis and modeling of phosphorus transport through the Northern Everglades. Field trips will be necessary to investigate the current situation. Economics courses and interests will be essential for the student. Necessary supervision (Everglades Foundation and FIU) and training will be given. The candidate must have a Master Degree in Environmental Sciences, Chemical engineering or Physical Chemistry with a strong interest in economics and modeling or other relevant education. The position requires experience in water quality analysis. The candidate will be enrolled in the PhD-program at the FIU Faculty of Engineering. The student will be part of a small and individually supervised group of PhD students and will have the opportunity to work with senior researchers from the FIU and from the Everglades Foundation (direct supervision). The student will receive a fellowship for the three years of studies.

The proposed starting date is September 2009 (flexible).

Fellowship application package, containing:

• Personal cover letter;

• Professional Resume;

• University transcript(s);

• 2 reference letters mailed/e-mailed by the referees; (mnaja@evergladesfoundation.org) should be forwarded by May15, 2009
Contact address:

Dr. G.M. NAJA,

Everglades Foundation 18001 Old Cutler Road PALMETTO BAY,

Florida 33157

E-mail: mnaja@evergladesfoundation.org