The department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University is inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD position in the plant ecophysiology lab of Dr. Nishanth Tharayil. This PhD position will focus on an NSF-supported project that investigates the chemical plasticity of tree roots in response to biotic and abiotic heterogeneities of soil environments and how these changes would, in turn, affect ecosystem functioning, such as decomposition, biogeochemical cycling, and feedbacks to global change. This project will involve laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments, with an emphasis on plant chemistry. The successful applicant will receive multidisciplinary training including plant and soil ecology, biogeochemistry, analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, metabolomics, etc. The student is encouraged to develop independent and creative studies within the broad realm of the project. The student will be supervised by Dr. Nishanth Tharayil and Dr. Vidya Suseela and closely work with Dr. Mengxue Xia, a postdoctoral fellow in the project.
Prospective students that have a background and interest in plant ecology/physiology, soil science, biogeochemistry, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Previous laboratory experience and a background in plant-soil interactions are not required but desirable. Field experience is a plus. The candidate should have a strong motive to learn analytical techniques as required by the project. Those interested may email Dr. Xia ([email protected]) with “Chemical plasticity PhD position” in the subject line. Include in the email a CV, an unofficial transcript, contacts of two potential references, and a brief statement describing your research interests and background. Informal inquiries about the position are also welcome. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The desired start date is January 2019.
