09/25/2026
RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Outdoor Recreation and Conservation lab (O.R.C.) within the School of Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee has an opening for a graduate research assistantship (GRA) PhD and MS starting January 2027. The GRAs, under the direction of Dr. Ryan Sharp, will be heavily involved in research related to recreational use along several rivers in Tennessee. The candidate will engage in a great deal of field work throughout the course of the project. The selected student will also have opportunities to work on other project such as work being done at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Experience in the following areas is highly desired:
Quantitative methods and analysis
Experience with visitor counters (e.g. Eco-counter)
Experience with field cameras and the analysis of these data
Experience with social mobility data
Ability to leverage AI to analyze large, complex data sets
Social science statistical applications
Working with/for land management agencies, either domestic or international
GRAs are 12-month, 20-hour per week positions that include a competitive stipend, tuition, and health insurance benefits. Positions are renewable each year, up to 2 years, based on satisfactory progress. Please visit https://naturalresources.tennessee.edu to learn more about the program.
Applicants should contact Dr. Ryan Sharp (contact information below) prior to applying.
Dr. Ryan L. Sharp
Director – Outdoor Recreation and Conservation lab (O.R.C.)
School of Natural Resources - University of Tennessee
[email protected] – 716-289-6107 - http://www.orc-lab.com/
Applicants wishing to be considered for the assistantship should submit the following materials via email to Dr. Sharp by 10/23/26:
· A cover letter articulating interest and skills pertaining to the above assistantship
· A current resume/CV
· Names and contact information for 3 academic or professional references
The Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Lab Research related to outdoor recreation, park management and human dimensions of natural resources.
