I’d like to announce two opportunities for PhD-level research in the Finzi lab of Terrestrial Biogeochemistry at Boston University. The first opportunity is in the area of coupled biogeochemical cycles in global ecosystems with an emphasis on nutrient-use efficiency, allocation and retranslocation. There is broad latitude for graduate student development of ideas within this context. The student will most likely engage in meta-analysis, field studies and modeling. The second opportunity is in the area of agricultural ecology, focusing specifically on root traits, soil carbon cycling and fertilizer-use efficiency in bioenergy crop systems [study sites in Florida & Illinois]. This opportunity is part of a much larger, DOE-funded Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) at the University of Illinois. The student will be trained at Boston University but will have significant opportunities for interaction with the highly multidisciplinary team that makes up the Center.
The City of Boston is a wonderful place to live and work. While modest in size, Boston offers all of the benefits of the ‘big city’ experience and a progressive work-life environment. At the same time there are ample mountain activities in the White and Green Mountains of NH and VT, respectively, as well as beaches on the north shore, south shore and Cape Cod. A very good light rail system offers to opportunity to get around Boston without the need for a vehicle. Boston has also gotten very bicycle friendly in recent years. Field work can be accomplished via transport in a Finzi Lab vehicle. The two PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in the PhD program in Biogeoscience at Boston University. The program combines faculty from the Department of Biology and Earth & Environment. There are upwards of 25 PhD students and postdocs in the program forming a ‘critical mass’ for collaboration, friendship and scientific development. Students interested in additional details can contact Dr. Adrien Finzi via email [afinzi at bu dot edu] or by telephone [617.353.2453]. The application deadline for the Department of Biology is December 7, 2017. Application material can be found at: https://bu-grs.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
