PhD Assistantship in Environmental Soil Physics
Join Dr. Yingxue Yu’s lab at Penn State to investigate contaminant behavior in terrestrial and aquatic environments through soil physics research.
Best for:Best for motivated candidates with a strong background in soil science, environmental physics, or related disciplines seeking a fully funded PhD opportunity in contaminant behavior and ecosystem dynamics.
Overview
This PhD assistantship at Pennsylvania State University offers an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in environmental soil physics under the supervision of Dr. Yingxue Yu in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. The successful candidate will contribute to understanding how physicochemical interactions and environmental factors influence contaminant dynamics across ecosystems. The position is part of the Soil Science Graduate Program or the Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, with the potential for a dual-title PhD in Biogeochemistry. The assistantship includes a half-time stipend, tuition remission, health insurance, and academic fees, making it a fully funded opportunity for qualified applicants.
What you'll do
- Conduct original research on how physicochemical interactions and environmental factors influence contaminant behavior in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
- Collaborate with Dr. Yingxue Yu and the Environmental Soil Physics Lab to design and execute field and laboratory experiments.
- Analyze and interpret data using advanced soil physics and biogeochemical techniques.
- Present research findings at academic conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to teaching and mentoring activities within the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.
- Participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives, including the potential for a dual-title PhD in Biogeochemistry.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biogeochemistry, or a related field. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree may be considered for admission to the graduate program but will not qualify for the assistantship funding.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency (verbatim requirement not specified, but assumed for academic program).
Instruction: English
- Strong background in soil physics, environmental chemistry, or related disciplines.
- Experience with field and laboratory research methods in environmental science.
- Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS).
- Ability to conduct independent research and write academic papers.
- Familiarity with contaminant transport modeling or biogeochemical processes is a plus.
- Open to international applicants (no specific nationality restrictions mentioned).
- Admission to the Soil Science Graduate Program or Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at Penn State.
- Potential for dual-title PhD in Biogeochemistry.
- No specific age or residency restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Applicants must apply through the official Penn State graduate admissions portal and indicate their interest in the PhD Assistantship in Environmental Soil Physics. Detailed application instructions and additional requirements can be found on the Environmental Soil Physics Lab’s dedicated webpage. The application process includes submitting a CV, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s, if applicable)
- Letters of recommendation (typically 3)
- Statement of Purpose or Research Proposal
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
Yingxue Yu· Assistant Professor
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