[ES_JOBS_NET] One PhD Graduate Assistantship Position Available at Digital Agriculture and Soil Science Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA

[Katsutoshi Mizuta]

The Digital Agriculture and Soil Science Laboratory in the Department of
Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky is seeking an
enthusiastic and motivated Ph.D. student for multi-state projects. The selected
student will be assisted in developing his/her/their own research projects.
One of the research ideas is to integrate field and proximal/remote
sensing-based data and assess the effects of soil health practices on
carbon/nutrient cycling, water dynamics, and yield stability in
agroecosystems. The student is expected to employ stochastic and
process-based models to simulate the existing soil health practices in
Kentucky. This work will be conducted as part of an interdisciplinary team
comprising various scientists, growers, crop consultants, and government
agencies. Another idea includes, but is not limited to, working with the
large existing cover crop datasets. There are numerous opportunities to
further enhance collaborations and expand research in both fieldwork and
computational studies. The student is strongly encouraged to develop their
own research topics leading up to graduation and disseminate research
findings through peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations at
scientific meetings/conferences. Financial support, including tuition waiver
and a generous stipend, is available.



QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate will have a B.S. or M.S. degree in soil
science, agricultural and biological engineering, biogeochemistry,
geostatistics, or a related field. Strong academic performance and
exceptional oral and written communication skills are essential
qualifications. Additionally, a willingness to gain knowledge in AI
technologies, computational modeling, proximal/remote sensing, and
geospatial analysis is crucial. Prior experience in these areas is
preferred. The candidate will be expected to complete the required
coursework for a Ph.D. in Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences, with the
opportunity to select a specific emphasis area in agreement with the
program. (please see /ipss.ca.uky.edu/ <https://ipss.ca.uky.edu/> for more
information).



LOCATION: The University of Kentucky is in Lexington, Kentucky, a dynamic
and progressive city known for its lively entertainment scene. Situated in
the Bluegrass Region, the area is renowned both for its rich agricultural
heritage and as an internationally acclaimed cultural landscape.





APPLICATION PROCESS: Prospective applicants are requested to contact Dr.
Mizuta and submit the following documents: (1) a comprehensive CV, (2) a
statement detailing their research experiences and goals (maximum of 2
pages), (3) unofficial transcripts, and (4) contact information for one
reference (three references are preferred). When sending the email, please
use the subject line "Inquiry about Ph.D. Position". The application review
process will start on February 1, 2024, and continue until the position is
filled. Only candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be
contacted and invited to participate in virtual interviews. The selected
candidates will be required to formally submit a formal application to the
Department of Plant & Soil Sciences graduate program. International
applicants must submit their application by April 15, 2024, while domestic
applicants must submit no later than one month before the start of the
term (See
details: https://gradschool.uky.edu/application-process). The
candidate selected
after the final interview will start the program in the Fall semester of
2024 or as early as possible. Note that individuals from underrepresented
backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply as well.



Dr. Katsutoshi Mizuta

Assistant Professor of Digital Agriculture and Soil Science

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

University of Kentucky

Email: toshi.m at uky.edu



ENVIRONMENT: The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is
dedicated to fulfilling the land-grant promise of providing excellent
education, fostering civic leadership, conducting transformative research,
and sharing knowledge for the betterment of society. We are committed to
serving the people of Kentucky and beyond by offering education, outreach,
service, and research that seek to improve lives today and create a
sustainable future. With a history spanning over 130 years, CAFE has a
strong track record of delivering research outcomes to the community. From
traditional laboratories and research farms to state-of-the-art diagnostic
and research centers, we provide science-based, practical solutions that
have a direct impact on the daily lives of Kentuckians and individuals
worldwide. Our Cooperative Extension programs are actively engaged in all
120 counties of Kentucky, addressing needs not only in agriculture and
natural resources, but also in areas such as 4-H and youth development,
family and consumer sciences, as well as community and economic
development. We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that enables
our students, staff, and faculty to achieve their fullest potential.
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