We are seeking PhD applicants interested in agroecology and sustainable agriculture to begin a PhD program in PSUs prestigious Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. This research will greatly contribute towards our understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, specifically the student will be investigating how the composition of cover crop mixtures influences their provisioning of ecosystem services. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Carolyn Lowry (Plant Science) and Dr. Jason Kaye (Ecosystem Science and Management) and will have the opportunity to be exposed to diverse training experiences including research methods in molecular and plant ecology, statistics, as well as quantifying diverse ecosystem services. Students will be a part of a large network of diverse researchers involved in PSUs long-term cover crop cocktails project.
The position will be located in State College, PA. The position includes full stipend, tuition, and health insurance.
Applicants must be highly motivated, and have: 1) bachelors (but masters preferred) degree with strong academic record in agronomy, soil science, ecology, plant sciences or a related field; 2) strong written and oral communication skills; and 3) previous field/ greenhouse/lab research experience.
Interested students should first send a cover letter stating research interests and experience, as well as a curriculum vitae including references to Dr. Carolyn Lowry: carolyn.lowry@psu.edu.
We will review applications as they are received.