[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD opportunity in biodiversity and ecosystem change -- University of Michigan, Fall 2027

[Kai Zhu]

Dear colleagues and prospective students,

The Zhu Lab at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is inviting inquiries from prospective PhD students interested in beginning doctoral study in Fall 2027.

Our lab works at the intersection of global change biology, ecological modeling, and environmental data science. Our research centers on biodiversity and ecosystem change, with a unifying focus on plants and terrestrial ecosystems. We integrate ecological theory and modeling with experiments, field observations, remote sensing, and statistical and computational methods to understand and predict ecological change across scales.

Learn more about our research, current projects, publications, and lab community:

https://zhulab.seas.umich.edu/

We welcome inquiries from students interested in developing research on how environmental change reshapes species distributions, community composition, biotic interactions, phenology, productivity, or carbon cycling. Students with relevant research experience and strong quantitative interests are especially encouraged to inquire.

To express interest, please complete the Zhu Lab PhD Interest Form:

https://forms.gle/gZJECcqy2si8xDnz9

Due to the high volume of prospective student inquiries, the interest form is the best way to share your background and research interests for consideration. Selected candidates may be invited to an online conversation to discuss their interests and potential fit with the lab.

The interest form is for preliminary review and is separate from the official application to the SEAS PhD Program. All applicants must submit an official application through the Rackham Graduate School by the applicable deadline. Please consult the SEAS admissions website for current requirements and deadlines:

https://seas.umich.edu/academics/doctoral-phd

The SEAS PhD Program provides five years of funding to admitted doctoral students through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, or a combination.

Please share this announcement with students or colleagues who may be interested.

Best regards,
Kai

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Kai Zhu, PhD
Associate Professor
School for Environment and Sustainability
University of Michigan
https://zhulab.seas.umich.edu