What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graduate Research Assistant position at Kentucky Water Research Institute (KWRI)?
PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student for a graduate research assistantship in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences, with a specialization in Environmental Sciences and Ecosystem Ecology, at the University of Kentucky. This assistantship focuses on the biogeochemistry and plant physiology of rare earth elements (REEs) and will be under the direction of Prof. Jason Unrine.
Research Project: Rare earth elements are indispensable to modern technologies, including those critical to sustainable energy production. Despite their growing importance, our understanding of the biogeochemical cycling of REEs in terrestrial ecosystems remains limited. The selected student will conduct interdisciplinary research aimed at elucidating the mechanisms by which plants take up and process rare earth elements, contributing to fundamental knowledge with implications for environmental sustainability and resource management.
Facilities: The position is based in the Department of Soil Science, within the Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology. The laboratory is well equipped with advanced analytical instrumentation and facilities for microscopy and molecular biology and will be relocated to a newly constructed state-of-the art research building in early 2027.
Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong background in physiology, soil chemistry, mineralogy, and/or biogeochemistry. Experience in analytical chemistry, microscopy, and/or molecular biology is highly desirable. A bachelor’s degree in soil science, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, environmental science, or a closely related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
Support: The position includes a stipend, tuition remission, and health insurance and starts in the Fall 2026 semester.
Applications: Interested candidates should complete the form found at this link. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
https://forms.gle/5FPoeiXRwQtts12h6
Program links:
https://lnkd.in/gtRxCWpE
https://lnkd.in/gzdKD6EV
https://lnkd.in/g3et_kmU