[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD opportunity in Floodplain Carbon Cycling at the University of New Mexico

[Marisa Repasch]

Dear Colleagues,


The Surface Processes Lab Group at the University of New Mexico is seeking a PhD student research assistant to investigate the drivers of soil carbon persistence in dryland floodplains. The preferred start date is January 2027, with Summer or Fall 2027 starts also possible.

The student will study how flooding, groundwater dynamics, and soil development determine whether dryland floodplains act as sources or sinks of carbon over decadal to millennial timescales. Research will be heavily focused on field and laboratory data collection and analyses, including monthly field campaigns at Rio Grande floodplain study sites and soil processing and laboratory analyses. This research will take advantage of several state-of-the-art research facilities housed at UNM, including the Center for Stable Isotopes (CSI), Center for Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research & Education (ASPIRE), Nanomaterials Characterization Facility, and Analytical Geochemistry Laboratory. The student will also be involved in K-12 educational outreach programs and undergraduate teaching, so this position would suit someone with an interest in science communication and outreach.

The student will be advised by Dr. Marisa Repasch, with opportunities to collaborate with other faculty on a second research project. The student will be enrolled in the PhD program in Earth & Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico, where they will join an active and collegial graduate student community. This is a full-time, research-focused position based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and relocation is required.

Learn more about the UNM Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences and the Surface Processes Lab Group here:

https://eps.unm.edu/index.html

https://eps.unm.edu/people/faculty/profile/marisa-repasch.html

Preferred qualifications include:

  *   Previous research experience, such as an undergraduate research project, research-based master’s thesis, internship, or professional laboratory or field position
  *   Educational background in geology, environmental science, hydrology, geochemistry, soil science, or a related discipline
  *   Strong written and verbal communication skills
  *   Good organizational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to maintain clear field and laboratory notes
  *   Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team
  *   Enthusiasm for field and laboratory work, including recurring fieldwork under variable environmental conditions (e.g., hot, cold, dry, humid, night-time sampling efforts)
  *   Desire and ability to learn new field, laboratory, and analytical methods
  *   Ability and willingness to troubleshoot scientific instrumentation
  *   Familiarity with statistical or programming software, such as Python, MATLAB, or R
  *   Interest in teaching, mentoring, science communication, or K-12 outreach

Interested candidates should email Dr. Marisa Repasch (mrepasch at unm.edu) with the following materials:

1.         A three-paragraph statement of interest describing:

  *
Your previous research and field experience
  *
Why UNM and this project are a good fit for your interests and goals
  *
Related research topics you would be interested in pursuing

2.         A curriculum vitae (CV)

3.         A writing sample, such as an undergraduate or master’s thesis, class paper, or technical report

Application materials must reflect the applicant’s own writing. AI-generated statements of interest or writing samples will be screened and will not be considered.

The deadline to apply for a Spring 2027 start is November 1st, 2026. The deadline for a Fall 2027 start is January 5th, 2027. Please reach out to Dr. Repasch for approval before applying to the UNM graduate program.


--
Marisa Repasch, PhD (she/her)
Assistant Professor
Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences
University of New Mexico
mrepasch at unm.edu<mailto:mrepasch at unm.edu>
https://eps.unm.edu/people/faculty/profile/marisa-repasch.html
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