Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship

Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantships in Agroecosystems

Department of Soil and Crop Sciences

Colorado State University

Seeking two highly motivated graduate students to conduct research related to: 1) soil organic matter, water, or nutrient dynamics within irrigated or dryland cropping systems of the Ogallala Aquifer region as part of the Schipanski lab group, and 2) soil quality (biology, soil structure, and organic matter turnover) as impacted by cover crops and grazing in dryland wheat-based systems as part of the Fonte lab group. Both graduate students will be part of collaborative, multi-disciplinary projects that seek to improve the resilience of cropping systems in the semi-arid Great Plains. The first position is particularly well-suited for students interested in a mixture of biophysical, field-based research and broader policy, social or economic analyses.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a strong background (preferably M.Sc.) in soil science, agronomy, agroecology, or related field as well as possess solid analytical skills, high competence in data analysis, and demonstrated writing capabilities (i.e., peer-reviewed publications). Also preferred are field research (or related work) experience and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Students may apply through the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences or the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. Positions start either by June 1 or mid-August, 2016. Funding is available to cover tuition, stipend and benefits; however, students will also be expected to apply for scholarships and other relevant funding opportunities.

To apply, please combine a cover letter (2 pgs max) describing your research interests, qualifications, and your start date availability, CV, contact info for 3 references, and university transcripts (graduate and undergrad) into a single pdf file and send to Meagan Schipanski (meagan.schipanski at colostate.edu) and Steven Fonte (steven.fonte at colostate.edu). The deadline to apply is Feb 28th, 2016.