We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join our research team exploring how soil processes govern water quality as part of an interdisciplinary NSF-funded Sensors in the Soils project (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2034430&HistoricalAward...). This Ph.D. student will become an integral member of our interdisciplinary team as we develop (1) novel sensing technologies to measure high frequency in situ nitrate, conductivity, pH, and temperature signals and (2) simulation models to integrate and explore these signals to test hypotheses that will advance our mechanistic understanding of coupled hydrologic and biogeochemical processes in soils.
Job Description: We seek a student who is curious and excited to work at the nexus of soil biogeochemistry, hydroecology, and simulation science. This student will develop knowledge, technical skillsets, and critical thinking abilities as they conduct interdisciplinary research exploring how soil processes govern the fates and fluxes of nutrients in agricultural landscapes. The student will develop research questions, hypotheses, predictions, and methods and present and publish their findings in collaboration with a highly supportive, energetic, and motivated team. This student will have both the opportunity and responsibility to develop their research program, participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative research teams, serve as a mentor for undergraduate and master’s students, and play a leadership role in implementing the broader impact activities for this project. The student will be provided a competitive stipend, benefits, and tuition waiver. Anticipated start date is December 2020 or early 2021.
Team: Our research team is lead by PI Stephanie Ewing and co-PIs Stephan Warnat, Ann Marie Reinhold, and Robert Payn. Stephanie Ewing will be the primary advisor for this student, but the student will have the opportunity to be co-advised by Ann Marie Reinhold or Robert Payn, depending on their interests, needs, and career goals. The student will join the dynamic and productive Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Department at Montana State University in Bozeman (https://landresources.montana.edu/grad/gradprogams.html). The student will also have the opportunity to be engaged in and collaborate with the multidisciplinary, multi-institutional NSF EPSCoR CREWS project (https://www.mtnsfepscor.org/projects/crews).
Requirements: No particular technical skillset is required, but applicants must be self-motivated, creative, collaborative, organized, and have a willingness to develop strong leadership skills. We prefer applicants having a master’s level degree and research experience in a field related to biogeochemistry, reactive transport modeling, hydroecology, agronomy, geomorphology, engineering, or computer science. Applications from women and traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM fields are strongly encouraged.
Application Instructions: Email the following to Drs. Stephanie Ewing (stephanie.ewing@montana.edu), Ann Marie Reinhold (annmarie.reinhold@montana.edu), and Robert Payn (rpayn@montana.edu): (1) a cover letter describing your research background, interest in the project, and career goals; (2) C.V.; (3) copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official or unofficial); and (4) names and contact information for three professional references. Applications received by November 23, 2020 will receive priority consideration. GRE scores can be submitted but are not required.