Fully Funded PhD – Soil Carbon Persistence in Dryland Floodplains – University of New Mexico, USA
Quick Overview
The Surface Processes Lab at the University of New Mexico is seeking a PhD student to investigate the drivers of soil carbon persistence in dryland floodplains. You’ll 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 involves monthly field campaigns at Rio Grande floodplain sites and extensive laboratory analyses.
Experience Level: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Soil Science, Geology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geochemistry, or related fields
Best Fit: Candidates with research experience and enthusiasm for fieldwork and laboratory analysis
Start Date: January 2027 (preferred) or Summer/Fall 2027
Key Details
| Position | PhD Research Assistant |
| Project | Drivers of soil carbon persistence in dryland floodplains |
| University | University of New Mexico |
| Department | Earth & Planetary Sciences |
| Location | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA |
| Qualification | Background in Soil Science, Geology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geochemistry, or related fields. |
| Funding | Full-time research assistantship |
| Start Date | January 2027 (preferred), Summer or Fall 2027 possible |
| Deadline | November 1, 2026 (Spring 2027 start) / January 5, 2027 (Fall 2027 start) |
| Apply Via | mrepasch@unm.edu |
| Supervisor | Dr. Marisa Repasch |
Research Project
This PhD position focuses on understanding the drivers of soil carbon persistence in dryland floodplains. You’ll investigate how flooding, groundwater dynamics, and soil development influence whether dryland floodplains act as sources or sinks of carbon over decadal to millennial timescales. Research will involve monthly field campaigns at Rio Grande floodplain study sites and extensive soil processing and laboratory analyses.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This is a unique opportunity to work on critical questions about carbon cycling in dryland ecosystems—an understudied area with significant implications for climate change. You’ll gain expertise in field methods, soil biogeochemistry, and laboratory analyses while working at the intersection of hydrology, geochemistry, and soil science. The position offers collaboration opportunities with other faculty on a second research project and you’ll join an active and collegial graduate student community.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous research experience (undergraduate research project, research-based master’s thesis, internship, or professional laboratory/field position)
- Educational background in Soil Science, Geology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geochemistry, or related fields
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Good organizational skills, attention to detail, and 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
- Desire and ability to learn new field, laboratory, and analytical methods
- Ability and willingness to troubleshoot scientific instrumentation
- Familiarity with statistical or programming
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Full-time PhD Research Assistant |
| Start Date | January 2027 (preferred) |
| Research Focus | Soil carbon persistence, dryland floodplains |
| Fieldwork | Monthly campaigns at Rio Grande floodplain sites |
| Collaboration | Opportunities with other faculty |
Application Tips
- Highlight previous research experience – Preferred qualification.
- Show enthusiasm for fieldwork – Including variable environmental conditions.
- Demonstrate lab skills – Soil processing and analytical chemistry.
- Write your own materials – AI-generated statements will be rejected.
- Contact Dr. Repasch for approval – Before applying to the UNM graduate program.
How to Apply
Email Dr. Marisa Repasch (mrepasch@unm.edu) with:
- Three-paragraph statement of interest describing:
- Your previous research and field experience
- Why UNM and this project are a good fit
- Related research topics you would be interested in pursuing
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Writing sample (undergraduate or master’s thesis, class paper, or technical report)
Important: Application materials must reflect the applicant’s own writing. AI-generated statements will be screened and will not be considered.
Deadlines:
- Spring 2027 start: November 1, 2026
- Fall 2027 start: January 5, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the project focus? Soil carbon persistence in dryland floodplains.
- Is field work required? Yes. The project involves monthly field campaigns at Rio Grande floodplain sites.
- What is the deadline? November 1, 2026 (Spring 2027) or January 5, 2027 (Fall 2027).
