PhD student positions are available in the lab of Dr. Eddie Brzostek (https://biology.wvu.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty/edward-brzostek) in the Department of Biology at West Virginia University starting in the fall of 2024. Broadly, our lab studies how interactions between plants and soil microbes influence carbon and nitrogen cycling in forest and agricultural ecosystems, and how these interactions will impact ecosystem responses to global change. To do this, we couple empirical measurements with process and ecosystem model development to scale up mechanisms that operate at the level of individual roots and their associated mycorrhizae to larger scales. Incoming students are encouraged to develop their own research projects in these areas. Importantly, we strive to promote a fun, enthusiastic lab environment that encourages an atmosphere of collaboration and shared intellectual development.
The Department of Biology at WVU has a core of faculty members that study a variety of topics in ecosystem ecology and also is in close proximity to world-class research sites including the WVU Research Forest and the Fernow Experimental Forest. For students interested in agroecosystems, the lab is a partner of the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (https://cabbi.bio). Financial support is available via research and teaching fellowships and there are additional opportunities for research and travel funds. More detailed information about the WVU Biology graduate student program is available at https://biology.wvu.edu/students/graduate-students/admission.
Deadline for applications is December 1st, 2023. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Eddie Brzostek (erbrzostek@mix.wvu.edu) prior to submitting an application to WVU.
