Ph.D. Assistantship-Plant-Soil Interactions, Boise State University, Idaho, USA

 GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) – at Boise State University. A position is available for a Ph.D. student to study how plant root traits and biodiversity in biofuel cropping systems affect ecosystem function.  This project will investigate: (1) how differences in plant traits belowground affect the microbially mediated processes of soil carbon cycling, and (2) how diversity in belowground plant traits affects soil organismal biodiversity and plant-soil feedbacks.  Our research is conducted in collaboration with a team of supportive scientists from Colorado State University, and Argonne National Laboratory, which manages the long-term biodiversity manipulation experiment located at the Sustainable Bioenergy Crop Research Facility in IL. 

 Qualifications

We seek self-motivated, independent, and creative thinkers that are enthusiastic about pursuing a career in ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry. Minimum Qualifications: a B.S. or M.S. degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Soil Science or a related field. The position starts Fall (Aug) 2018.

 Stipend and tuition and fees

This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantships (renewable, 12-month at $25,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance.

 About the program and Boise

The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior PhD is a new and modern graduate program at Boise State University. This program brings together faculty from across multiple academic departments including biological sciences, geosciences, anthropology, and the human-environment systems group to offer relevant courses and provide unique mentorship and training opportunities.  Further, we have created a network of valuable connections in academia, local relationships with federal and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as partnerships with international organizations all dedicated to providing students with transformative research and educational experiences for diverse career opportunities. To learn more, please visit: http://eeb.boisestate.edu/.

 Students in this program enjoy living in the beautiful city of Boise, which strikes a perfect balance with close-by outdoor recreational activities as well as a vibrant downtown life. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the capital of the State of Idaho, Boise is frequently featured as a top-ranked metropolis. The city has ample opportunities for world-class outdoor activities year round and a thriving arts and entertainment culture. In 2017, US News and World report ranked Boise the 12th best city to live in the United States. To learn more, please view “Visit Boise” link at: https://www.cityofboise.org/

 To Apply

Please send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name in the file name): a cover letter a statement of research interests, qualifications and career goals, a CV with the names and contacts for 3 references, copies of transcripts (unofficial are O.K.) and GRE scores and percentiles (not combined) to Marie-Anne de Graaff (email: marie-annedegraaff@boisestate.edu). Please put “PhD application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until December 01, 2017. If you do not have GRE scores by the deadline your application cannot be considered.  Top candidates will be asked to formally apply to Boise State’s EEB program by January  20, 2018.  All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.

 Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.