🎓Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Biogeochemistry & Plant Physiology of Rare Earth Elements – USA
🏛️ About University of Kentucky & Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Applications are open for a Fully Funded PhD Biogeochemistry Rare Earth Elements USA position at the University of Kentucky’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. The project investigates the mechanisms by which plants take up and process rare earth elements from soil. The University of Kentucky’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences is one of 14 academic departments in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE). The department has over 40 faculty members and 60+ staff members, as well as post-doctoral scholars, graduate research assistants, and visiting scholars.
🎯 Scholarship Overview
🔗 Project Summary
Rare earth elements are indispensable to modern technologies, including those critical to sustainable energy production. Despite their growing importance, our understanding of the biogeochemical cycling of REEs in terrestrial ecosystems remains limited. The selected student will conduct interdisciplinary research aimed at elucidating the mechanisms by which plants take up and process rare earth elements, contributing to fundamental knowledge with implications for environmental sustainability and resource management.
🌟 Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Biogeochemistry & Plant Physiology of Rare Earth Elements is unique because it focuses on rare earth elements (REEs) – the “vitamins” of modern technology that are essential for everything from wind turbines to smartphones. Yet surprisingly little is known about how plants take up and process these elements from soil. The project sits at the intersection of plant physiology, soil chemistry, and biogeochemistry, offering training across multiple disciplines. The laboratory of Prof. Jason Unrine is well-equipped with advanced analytical instrumentation (ICP-MS, HPLC, etc.), microscopy facilities, and molecular biology tools. The lab is moving to a brand new state-of-the-art research building in early 2027, meaning you will have access to cutting-edge facilities. For someone interested in soil chemistry and critical mineral biogeochemistry, this is an opportunity to work on a topic with both fundamental scientific importance and real-world applications.
✅ Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, or closely related field (Master’s preferred) |
| Background | Strong background in physiology, soil chemistry, mineralogy, and/or biogeochemistry |
| Desirable Experience | Analytical chemistry, microscopy, and/or molecular biology |
| Start Date | Fall 2026 semester |
📝 My Application Strategy
- Highlight your soil science background – Emphasize coursework or research in soil chemistry, mineralogy, or biogeochemistry
- Show understanding of REEs in soil systems – Read about how REEs behave in different soil types, their speciation, and plant availability
- Emphasize analytical chemistry skills – Prof. Unrine’s lab uses ICP-MS, HPLC, and other advanced instruments. Mention any experience with soil or plant digestions
- Read Prof. Unrine’s recent papers on trace elements – He has published extensively on trace-element biogeochemistry. Cite his work in your statement
- Complete the Google Form promptly – Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is advantageous
💼 What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | Competitive graduate assistantship stipend |
| Tuition | Full tuition remission |
| Health Insurance | Included |
| Start Date | Fall 2026 semester |
| Facilities | Well-equipped laboratory with advanced analytical instrumentation, microscopy, and molecular biology facilities |
| New Building | Relocation to state-of-the-art research building in early 2027 |
🎓 Who Should Apply
This Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Biogeochemistry & Plant Physiology of Rare Earth Elements is perfect for a student with a strong background in soil chemistry, mineralogy, or biogeochemistry who wants to specialize in plant-soil interactions around critical minerals. If you are curious about how plants access rare earth elements from different soil types – and what controls their uptake – this project offers deep training in both analytical methods and mechanistic soil-plant science. Candidates with experience in ICP-MS, soil digestions, or trace-element analysis are especially encouraged. The ideal candidate is someone who thinks about soils as complex biogeochemical reactors that control element cycling from mineral to plant to ecosystem.
📝 How to Apply
Apply through the Google Form at the link below:
Application review: Rolling basis
Program links:
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences: https://pss.mgcafe.uky.edu/
- Prof. Jason Unrine profile: https://pss.mgcafe.uky.edu/directory/unrine-jason
- Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences program: https://ipss.mgcafe.uky.edu/
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