PhD fellowship on multi-agent modeling of adoption of afforestation projects under the Clean Development Mechanism in Central Asia 

ZEF is looking for a candidate to conduct a PhD study as a part of the interdisciplinary research project “Opportunities for climate change adaptation and mitigation through afforestation of degraded lands in Central Asia”, which was initiated by ZEF in 2009 with a financial support from the Robert Bosch Stiftung (more info on http://www.zef.de/1631.html) 

Multi-agent modeling component of the project will aim to integrate the forestry and optimization models while considering the spatial variability and the farmers’ decision making on the land use. Thus the model should be able to simulate socially and economically constrained decisions on land use in a bio-physical environment under introduction of the carbon sequestration reward. 

The fellowship will provide a stipend and research funds to pursue this doctoral study. 

Requirements for the PhD candidates: 

Master’s degree in natural or socio-economic sciences, (agro)forestry background is advantageous; experience in modeling; good writing skills in English; team work-orientation. 

Previous experience in Central Asian region and knowledge of Uzbek (or Russian) and German language are desirable. 

Start and duration of the PhD study: 

Starting in September 2010 with courses at Bonn Interdisciplinary Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) at ZEF. The duration of the scholarship period is 3.5 years. 

Duty station: 

During fieldwork: Khorezm province, Uzbekistan and Beruny province, Karakalpakstan; Otherwise: Bonn, Germany. 

The eligible applicants are invited to send their applications via email including a letter of motivation, a concept note (2-3pp), Curriculum Vitae, and copies of certificates, to: 

Asia Khamzina

Center for Development Research 

Walter Flex Str., 3, 

53113 Bonn, Germany 

E-mail: asia.khamzina@uni-bonn.de

Tel: +49 228 731715, Fax: +49 228 731889 

Closing date is July 25, 2010. Selected candidates will be contacted for a personal interview.