PhD or Master’s Position in Soil Microbial Ecology 

The Microbial Ecology Lab at University of Texas at San Antonio is accepting applications for a Master’s or a PhD graduate student to join our group in the Department of Integrative Biology. The applicant would start in Fall 2023 (and is preferred), but a later Spring 2024 start date is possible.

The applicant would be working with Dr. Allison Veach and hydrogeological and soil science scientists at the Edwards Aquifer Authority in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Project goals are to understand how land management techniques used to increase water infiltration impact soil microbiomes.

Additionally, other questions related to microbial community ecology, carbon cycling, and structure-function relationships will be pursued. The applicant will lead field campaigns and oversee undergraduate and volunteer field assistants. Laboratory work will also be a major component of the projects work.

This position is fully funded with a stipend and tuition coverage. Health insurance is also included throughout the duration of one’s appointment. UTSA is a public research university and a Hispanic-Serving Institution located in scenic San Antonio, Texas. The main campus, where the graduate position will be housed, enrolls ~34,000 students and has a diverse set of collaborative groups spanning ecology, microbiology, geosciences, and natural resource management.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related scientific field, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. If applying for PhD, M.S. in these fields is preferred but not required dependent on student interests. Interest in molecular methods to understand the soil and stream microbiome is required. Interest in community ecology and biogeochemistry is also preferred. Strong written and verbal communication and an ability to work independently.

To apply:  Please email a compiled PDF that includes (1) cover letter detailing interest in this position (2) CV and (3) three names of professional references to Dr. Allison Veach at allison.veach@utsa.edu.  Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the position is filled. Please contact Dr. Veach with any questions about this position.