Position: 2 PhDs (Ecological Footprint, Biocapacity, Ecological Economics)
Location: York University, Toronto, Canada
Start Date: September 2024
York University in Toronto, Canada is recruiting for two PhD positions with a start date of September 2024 to be based in its Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, with the International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab.
About the International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab:
The International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab (IEFLL) is an initiative aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of the Anthropocene. With humanity’s resource demand surpassing the planet’s resource capacity, it is vital to train a new generation of sustainability leaders equipped with the skills to navigate big data and drive just and equitable transitions.
This interdisciplinary project is focused on the measurement and application of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity, with an integration of empirical research and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEDI) to foster a scientifically informed, just, and sustainable transition through an international partnership of academics and practitioners.
The partnership empowers researchers to advance the measurement and application of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity, to inform policy and advocacy work, and to explore the complex interactions within social-economic-ecological systems. We also emphasise the relevance of qualitative research on DEDI, spatial scaling, and adaptation to emerging climate change issues. Join us to help shape a future where humans and the biosphere thrive in balance, tackling global ecological crises head-on through innovative research, inclusive training, collaboration, and outreach.
PhD program: Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
Location: York University (Keele Campus) in Toronto, Canada
Program start date: September 2024
Prerequisites: master’s degree with B+ average or higher
Funding: PhD students will receive a highly attractive funding package, with project funds supplementing York’s base funding package for PhD students.
How to apply:
An initial statement of interest and CV should be sent to Dr. Peter Victor (peter@pvictor.com) as soon as possible. If there is a good fit, you will be invited to meet (virtually or in person) with members of the project team, for an opportunity to discuss research interests. A formal application to the PhD program at York University must be received before February 15, 2024, through an application at: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/graduate/apply-now/
POSITION 1: Community Ecological Footprint Calculator with Canadian Communities
We are seeking applications for an outstanding PhD candidate to work on a project that builds on a successful pilot of a Community Ecological Footprint Calculator for long-term behaviour change with community groups based on the researcher’s interests.
The Community Footprint Calculator uses the Ecological Footprint methodology alongside environmental psychology and sociology to explore how the Ecological Footprint can be used to create meaningful and long-term behaviour change with respect to the environment. The York team has piloted a web-based calculator with a select group of Canadian parishes and the Métis Nation of Ontario. These were proof-of-concept designs that now require further development of the Community Footprint Calculator, more user feedback, and longitudinal study of whether the community group recommendations result in long-term behaviour change.
The ideal candidate should possess a strong academic background in the social sciences such as environmental psychology, sociology, or a related discipline, demonstrating a solid understanding of both ecological footprint methodology and social science principles. Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including data analysis and longitudinal study designs, is essential. The successful candidate will be responsible for collecting user feedback, conducting in-depth analyses, and examining the effectiveness of community-based recommendations in promoting sustainable behaviour change. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, are also highly valued. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to pioneering research that addresses pressing environmental and social challenges and creates a positive impact within communities.
POSITION 2: Ecological Footprint, Material and Energy Flows, and System Dynamic Modelling of Economies
We are seeking applications for an outstanding PhD candidate to join a research group working on ecological macroeconomics. LowGrow SFC is one of several ecological macroeconomic models designed to explore alternative long-term trajectories for economies, including environmental, social, economic, and financial variable. The research group is working on ways to improve LowGrow SFC, especially regarding inclusion of the ecological footprint, material and energy flows, income and wealth distribution, the incorporation of dynamic input-output analysis, and various other socio-economic-environmental dimensions.
The ideal candidate should possess a strong academic background in ecological macroeconomics in which the economy is understood as a sub-system of the planet. They should be competent in modelling dynamic systems, geomatics, handling and analysing large economic and environmental databases, and a keen interest in furthering knowledge and understanding of economic/social/environmental systems. The successful candidate will be expected to develop innovative approaches that will enhance LowGrow SFC, possibly transforming it entirely, using spatial environmental and socio-economic data, and produce and disseminate scenarios intended to stimulate a broader discussion of possible and desirable futures. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively are also highly valued. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to pioneering research that addresses pressing environmental, economic, and social challenges.