PhD Position

Careers in the Plant Sciences

Michigan Technological University - Houghton, Michigan, United States

Position Title: PhD Position

Position Type: Research Assistant

Application Review Begins: Friday, February 07, 2025

Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Institution: Michigan Technological University

Department/Division: Department of Biological Sciences

Field (e.g., systematics): Ecology and Evolution

City: Houghton, Michigan, United States

General Information: PhD Student Opportunity to Join Dr. Erika Hersch-Green’s Research Group in Plant Evolutionary Ecology at Michigan Technological University
I am looking for a PhD graduate student that would like to contribute to research that broadly aims to understand how plant genome size and different climatic and ecological factors (e.g., species interactions) influence the structuring of multispecies terrestrial communities. An interest in dune ecosystems, urban ecology, and/or plant-fungal interactions would also be especially welcome.

• The anticipated start date Summer of Fall 2025.
• Funding (including tuition) in the form of graduate research and teaching assistantships is included.

Qualifications/Requirements: • Required: (1) A MS in the fields of ecology or evolutionary biology or a relevant discipline. (2) Good (demonstrable) English scientific writing skills. (3) Ability to work well independently and as part of a team. (4) Commitment to supporting a friendly and cohesive working environment.
• Desired: (1) Good quantitative/statistics background and experience using R statistical package. (2) Experience in publishing research in peer-reviewed journals. (3) A US driver’s license upon starting.

Responsibilities: Position Details:
• With guidance from Dr. Hersch-Green, student will lead the development of their specific research questions and projects based upon their specific interests.
• Student will have opportunities to:
o conduct experiments in lab, greenhouse, and/or field settings (https://youtu.be/H6MtEnAIyi0),
o collaborate with national and international scientists (see: https://nutnet.org/home, https://dragnetglobal.weebly.com/),
o participate in outreach activities,
o work with a fun, supportive lab group to foster a positive learning environment for everyone.

Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): Qualified and interested candidates should email Dr. Erika Hersch-Green (eherschg@mtu.edu) to express interest. In this email please include an updated CV and a statement of interest addressing required and desired qualifications and describing what area of research you are most interested in exploring and any previous experience in this area.
Review of applications will begin March 1, 2025, at which time I will contact the most qualified candidates for virtual interviews.

Web Link: http://

Compensation Range:

Contact Name: Erika Hersch-Green, eherschg@mtu.edu