Funded Ph.D. Graduate position in agricultural soil carbon and nitrogen modeling
One funded Ph.D. position in agricultural soil carbon and nitrogen modeling is available in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences at University of Wisconsin, Madison (https://www.clu-lab.com/). We invite highly motivated graduate students interested in advancing the modeling and quantification of soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics across diverse cropping systems. The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary research team to integrate long-term soil measurements and emerging approaches, including isotope-labeled laboratory incubations and artificial intelligence (AI), into a process-based terrestrial ecosystem modeling framework. This position offers exciting opportunities to collaborate with scientists across multiple disciplines, including ecosystem modeling, soil science, biogeochemistry, hydrology, and agricultural and environmental economics.
We expect flexible enrollment for new graduate students from as early as Spring 2027 to Fall 2027. The applicants should possess a degree in soil science, biogeochemistry, ecology, geography, earth system science, remote sensing, or related fields. Quantitative, coding skills and experience in terrestrial ecosystem/land surface modeling, remote sensing, and geospatial and/or statistical analysis are a plus. Interested students may apply through either the Soil Science Graduate Program or the Environment and Resources Graduate Program at UW–Madison.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Chaoqun Lu (clu274@wisc.edu) before submitting their applications to learn more about the position. In your initial inquiry, please include your CV/resume and a brief research statement describing your research interests, why you are interested in this position, and how your background and experience make you a good fit for the project.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a leading public research university, ranked 8th among U.S. public universities and 34th nationally in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. UW–Madison offers a vibrant, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment, with strong programs in environmental science, agriculture, and sustainability. Located in Madison, Wisconsin, the university combines outstanding research opportunities with an excellent quality of life, beautiful lakes, and a welcoming college-town atmosphere.