Thank you for your interest in joining our agroecosystems research program at Colorado State University.
We welcome the participation of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. Potential graduate students should review the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences or the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology descriptions and requirements prior to contacting Dr. Schipanski.
Current Opening
Identifying crop traits for production systems resilient to water and nitrogen co-limitation
Graduate Research Assistantship, PhD
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
We are seeking applicants for a PhD-level graduate research assistantship in plant-soil-microbe interactions. The project seeks to characterize and identify associated physiological and morphological root traits that enhance both water and nitrogen acquisition, using sorghum as the model crop. Specifically, we will quantify plant belowground carbon allocation patterns and their relationships with nitrogen mineralization from soil organic matter using isotopic methods in a greenhouse study coupled with a field study using varying fertilizer and water treatments. The research team includes expertise in plant physiology, soil science, microbial ecology, irrigation management, and agroecosystem ecology. The student will lead the mechanistic research in the greenhouse at CSU as well as collaborating on the field experiment at the USDA-ARS Central Great Plains research center in Akron, Colorado. Desired qualifications include field and lab research experience in soil science, soil ecology, agroecology, biogeochemistry or a related field as well as strong written and quantitative skills. An M.S. degree and experience using stable isotope methods are preferred. We value the diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives that different members bring to our community. We encourage applicants with diverse and non-traditional backgrounds to apply. Preferred start date is by Summer 2026.
To apply, send via email to meagan.schipanski@colostate.edu by November 15:
1. Your resume/CV
2. A statement of motivation to complete a PhD degree program, including your relevant experience and longer-term career goals (1 pg max)
3. Unofficial transcripts
After initial screening of candidates, we will ask finalists to submit the formal application to the CSU Graduate School. Students can apply through the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences or the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology.