PhD: Chihuahuan Desert Ecology (New Mexico, USA)

 Funded Ph.D. Position – Chihuahuan Desert Ecology – New Mexico State University

We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to work on a multidisciplinary project across the fields of plant ecology and soil microbial ecology. Research will be conducted in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico at the Jornada Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Site http://jornada.nmsu.edu/lter. The project will explore the abiotic and biotic drivers of Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) invasion, as well as assessing the impacts of invasion on extant plant and microbial communities. The student would join the labs of Drs. Lehnhoff and Pietrasiak in Entomology, Plant Pathology & Weed Science (https://eppws.nmsu.edu/) and Plant & Environmental Sciences (http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/pes/), respectively, and would also have the opportunity to interact with a dynamic group of scientists at the Jornada LTER.

Basic qualifications Candidates should have: a minimum of a BS degree (3.3 GPA minimum) in plant ecology or soil ecology (or a closely related field) with strong quantitative and statistical skills; the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally; laboratory or field research experience; and a willingness to work in inclement weather including extreme heat.

Preferred qualifications Ideal candidates will have: a MS degree in plant ecology or soil ecology (or a closely related field); and a demonstrated ability to perform both independent laboratory and field research.

The position will start in August 2016, and interested candidates should apply as soon as possible, but no later than May 6, 2016. To apply, send a cover letter describing experience and interests, CV, transcripts, and GRE scores, and provide contact information for three professional references to: lehnhoff@nmsu.edu and npietras@nmsu.edu.

For more information, interested candidates should call Erik Lehnhoff (575.646.2328) or Nicole Pietrasiak (575.646.1910).

New Mexico State University is a comprehensive land-grant institution of higher learning accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. An active research university, NMSU anchors the southern end of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Research Corridor, exceeding $140 million in research and public service expenditures. NMSU is classified as a Hispanic-serving institution by the federal government with a total minority enrollment over 48%. Home to the state’s NASA Space Grant Program,NMSU is located in Las Cruces, which features desert mesas, the farmlands of the Rio Grande Valley, and the Organ Mountains, an extension of the Rocky Mountain chain. The University is committed to building a cultural diverse educational environment.


Nicole Pietrasiak

Assistant Professor, Environmental Soil Microbiology

Plant and Environmental Sciences Dept.

New Mexico State University

Box 30003, MSC 3Q

Las Cruces, NM 88003

Tel.: 575-646-1910

http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/pes/soil-faculty.html