PhD Position in Soil and Watershed Biogeochemistry at Idaho State University

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Tuesday, April 6, 2021 - 07:15

Kathleen Lohse’s Soil and Watershed Biogeochemistry laboratory at Idaho State University is looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. student to start in the fall of 2021 or Jan 2022. Research in the lab focuses on soil and watershed biogeochemistry with research interests in hydrology and biogeochemical interactions (https://lohselab.com). The research topic for a funded position is examining the role that climate and lithology play in controlling the distribution of microbial communities and biogeochemistry in soils at depth. The student will join a collaborative team of scientists focused on understanding the role of climate and lithology play in controlling the distribution of microbial communities and functions in soils across a set of five critical zone observatories (CZOs), Southern Sierras, Reynolds Creek, Luquillo, Catalina-Jemez, and Calhoun. The student will support collection and analysis of data at the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed and Critical Zone Observatory but will work across sites with an amazing team of scientists as a part of the Critical Zone Collaborative Network (CZCN) Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Cluster.

Potential research topics on the CZCN Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry include:

  1. Evaluating the role of different parent materials, especially loess deposition and its history, in shaping soil microbial communities and biogeochemistry
  2. Evaluating the effects of climate on soil carbon biogeochemistry and microbial communities
  3. Modeling soil carbon across CZO sites

Candidates must have prior research experience and be comfortable working as part of a team and working in the field. Student with an MS in Soil Science or related environmental sciences degree will be preferred.

If interested, please contact Kathleen Lohse at klohse@isu.edu and provide a cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and professional goals and a CV that includes your GPA. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

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