One M.S. and one Ph.D. research assistantships in Soil Science are available in the department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science (BESS) at the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville, TN. The overarching goal is to study soil organic carbon dynamics in managed and unmanaged ecosystems in response to natural and anthropogenic perturbations. The research will involve conducting field experiments in the long-term agriculture experimental sites in Tennessee and in the Ozark mountains experimental site in Missouri. Some aspects of the research will involve active collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee. The screening of the applications will begin immediately and will continue until suitable candidates are selected.
The applicants must have B.S. and/or M.S. degrees in soil science, agronomy, environmental science, ecology, microbiology, biology or closely related fields with demonstrated experience in soil-associated research involving field and/or laboratory components. Applicants should also possess excellent academic performance record, and strong oral and written communication skills. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong interest in one or more of the following: conducting field-based research, designing and executing laboratory experiments, and presenting and publishing research findings. Proficiency with analytical instrumentations (e.g. carbon and nitrogen elemental analyzer, gas chromatography), microbiological skills (e.g. nucleic acid extractions, sequencing, bioinformatics), lab management and mentoring undergraduate students are desirable. Prior publication record is also a criterion for selecting the student for the Ph.D. position.
The successful applicants will receive a tuition waiver, annual stipend typical of the department and health insurance. These positions require travel to research fields and a valid driver license. Successful candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to research, excellent work ethic, and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. The final admission will be based on the requirements of the Graduate Admissions Office at UTK. The position will be filled in Fall 2016 or Spring 2017.
Interested applicants should contact Dr. Sindhu Jagadamma, Assistant Professor, BESS, UTK (email: sjagada1@utk.edu, phone: 865-974-2690). Enclose your current CV, unofficial copies of transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores (if applicable), and contact information for three references.