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Fall 2027 forest ecology PhD position
We are considering applications for one PhD student to start Fall 2027 through the UTEP Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) PhD Program. The student will work on the spatial ecology and remote sensing of forest vegetation structure and ecosystem function at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland. The specific objectives will be developed under NSF Award #2621909 to investigate tree root biomass and structure in forest systems within the larger collaborative team (SERC, UCONN, IU, Kenyon College, and UTEP). This project has a heavy field component that requires the PhD student to reside at SERC for 1-2 semesters to collect root remote sensing and forest soil ecology data products in a variety of weather conditions.
Minimum qualifications: An undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher and previous independent research experience in remote sensing, soil ecology, forest ecology, or natural resources. Substantial previous field work experience is required and must be verified by a relevant reference. Previous experience driving in field conditions is required and a US drivers license must be held at the start of the program.
Preferred qualifications: A masters degree and experience preparing manuscripts for publications in remote sensing, ecology, forestry, natural resources, or related field. A first-author publication or manuscript close to submission is expected for applicants that will have a thesis-based master's degree (must be verified in a reference from the applicant's thesis advisor).
Funding for this program is available as a combination of departmental teaching assistantships and a grant specific research assistantship. Qualified UTEP PhD students are eligible for student health insurance and PhD tuition remission. Applicants may also apply collaboratively with the lab to external fellowships.
Applications are due to the UTEP Graduate School by Feb. 1, 2027 but interested applicants should first reach out to ealarue [at] utep [dot] edu by email. Include your academic CV, a 1-page summary of your research interests and career goals, email of the supervisor of your independent research experience or thesis.
Prospective Master's Students
We are not accepting MS applicants for 2027.
Prospective master's students can apply for an academic year departmental teaching assistantship through the MS Program in Biology. Tuition remission is not included as part of UTEP master's funding packages, but qualified graduate assistants are eligible for student health insurance. Interested applicants should reach out to ealarue [at] utep [dot] with their CV before applying to the graduate school.