Are you looking for fully funded graduate positions in the USA focused on environmental science, forestry, or soil health? Auburn University’s Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry Lab is currently accepting applications for one fully funded PhD and one MS position starting in 2026. These exciting research roles offer a chance to explore forest ecosystems, soil biogeochemistry, and climate-resilient land management across the southeastern United States.
🔬 Program Focus: Soil Health, Microbial Ecology & Forest Ecosystems
Housed within Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, the lab conducts innovative research on the interactions between soil processes and environmental stressors such as:
- Climate change
- Forest management practices (e.g., thinning, prescribed burns)
- Emerging contaminants like microplastics
The selected MS and PhD students will engage in interdisciplinary research involving field studies, laboratory analysis, and data-driven modeling to investigate:
- Changes in soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties due to thinning and prescribed fires
- Long-term vegetation and litter dynamics affecting soil-plant-microbe relationships
- Impacts of microplastics on nutrient cycling and microbial health
🧪 Research Duties & Opportunities
Graduate students in this program will:
- Conduct fieldwork across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
- Supervise and train undergraduate research assistants
- Perform advanced microbial and geochemical analyses using cutting-edge equipment
- Lead data analysis, manuscript writing, and presentations at national conferences
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- For PhD: Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Ecology, or related fields
- For MS: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
- Meet Auburn University’s Graduate School admission requirements
- Strong communication, teamwork, and independent research skills
Preferred Skills:
- Hands-on experience in soil sampling, vegetation surveys, or GPS mapping
- Familiarity with microbial and geochemical analysis
- Competence in quantitative data analysis and scientific writing
- Possession of a valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain one soon)
💰 Financial Support & Program Timeline
Both positions are fully funded with competitive stipends and full tuition waivers:
- PhD Position: $26,500 per year + tuition + benefits
📅 Start Date: January 2026 - MS Position: $23,500 per year + tuition + benefits
📅 Start Date: June 2026
Funding is renewable up to:
- 4 years for the PhD
- 2 years for the MS
🌱 About the Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry Lab
Led by Dr. Yang Yang, the lab combines field-based experimentation, laboratory analytics, and ecological modeling to address critical questions about soil sustainability and forest health. The lab is equipped with:
- TOC Analyzer
- Elemental Analyzer
- Soil incubators
- Fumigation stations
- And other state-of-the-art research tools
The lab environment supports collaboration, innovation, and scientific publishing, making it a perfect fit for aspiring researchers in soil science, ecology, and environmental sustainability.
📩 How to Apply
To apply, compile the following documents into a single PDF and email it to Dr. Yang Yang at yangy@auburn.edu with the subject line:
“Potential Graduate Student at AU”
Required Application Materials:
- A 1-page cover letter outlining your research interests and goals
- CV/Resume with contact information for 3 professional references
- Unofficial transcripts
🗓 Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be invited for a virtual interview.
🔗 International students should check Auburn University’s English language proficiency requirements.
📘 Learn more about graduate studies at Auburn: cfwe.auburn.edu/graduate-study/graduate-degrees