Fully Funded PhD & MS Positions: Soil Biogeochemistry – University of Wyoming, USA

Quick Overview

The University of Wyoming is offering fully funded PhD and MS positions in soil biogeochemistry within the newly established Soil Carbon and Organic matter Response to Environmental change lab (Soil CORE lab). Led by Principal Investigator Katie Rocci, the lab is part of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and the Program in Ecology and Evolution. Successful candidates will design and implement their own projects on soil organic matter responses to climate and management changes, with opportunities to explore topics ranging from soil organic matter vulnerability under global change to the integration of soil biogeochemical mechanisms into process-based models.

These positions offer exceptional opportunities for students passionate about soil science, ecosystem ecology, and global change research. The PhD position is ideal for candidates holding a Master’s degree, while the MS position is suited for candidates completing a bachelor’s degree by May 2027. Both positions include community outreach to producers and the general public, attendance at lab meetings and college seminars, submission of work to peer-reviewed journals, and presentation at scientific conferences. The start date is anticipated for summer 2027, with the potential for starting in fall 2027 if needed.

---

Key Details

Position	Funded PhD & MS Positions in Soil Biogeochemistry
Organization	University of Wyoming
Location	Laramie, Wyoming, USA
Department	Ecosystem Science and Management / Program in Ecology and Evolution
Lab	Soil Carbon and Organic matter Response to Environmental change lab (Soil CORE lab)
Program	PhD (4+ years) & MS (2+ years)
Qualification	MSc/BSc soil science, ecosystem ecology, global change science, and/or management impacts
Funding	Research Assistantship (RA) and Teaching Assistantship (TA) combination
Start Date	Summer 2027 (potential fall 2027)
Deadline	October 30, 2026 (priority review)

---

About the Lab and University

The Soil Carbon and Organic Matter Response to Environmental Change Lab (Soil CORE Lab) is a newly established research group at the University of Wyoming, led by Principal Investigator Katie Rocci. The lab operates within the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and collaborates closely with the Program in Ecology and Evolution, creating an interdisciplinary environment for research on soil biogeochemistry and global change science.

The University of Wyoming is a land-grant institution in Laramie, Wyoming, with access to diverse ecosystems and field sites for soil and ecosystem research. The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management conducts research on rangeland ecology, soil science, and environmental change, while the Program in Ecology and Evolution brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to address complex ecological questions. This collaborative environment gives students opportunities to develop strong interdisciplinary research skills.

Research in the Soil CORE lab focuses on understanding how soil organic matter responds to climate and management changes. Project ideas for the PhD position could include examining soil organic matter vulnerability under global change or management, investigating drivers (plants, microbes, or minerals) of soil organic matter cycling, or integrating soil biogeochemical mechanisms into process-based models. The MS position has a potential focus on soil organic matter responses to fire. Both positions encourage community outreach to producers and the general public, ensuring that research findings have practical relevance and impact.

The lab PI, Katie Rocci, is committed to transparent expectations, research guidance, opportunities to learn empirical and computational skills, resources for professional development, regular feedback on progress, and overall respect. She is also committed to advancing diversity in the Earth sciences and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

---

Key Responsibilities

Research Activities

• Design and implement projects on soil organic matter responses to climate and management changes.
• Conduct field, laboratory, and/or computational research.
• Investigate drivers of soil organic matter cycling (plants, microbes, minerals).
• Integrate soil biogeochemical mechanisms into process-based models (PhD level).

Academic and Professional Development

• Attend lab meetings, college seminars, and activities.
• Submit work to peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at scientific conferences.
• Participate in community outreach to producers and the general public.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Collaborate with members of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and the Program in Ecology and Evolution.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive lab environment.

Teaching and Assistantship Duties

• Fulfil responsibilities associated with Research Assistantship (RA) and Teaching Assistantship (TA) support.
• Engage in professional development activities relevant to career goals.

---

Candidate Profile

PhD Position:

• Master’s degree preferred (bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience and interest in soil science, ecosystem ecology, global change science, and/or management impacts.
• Field, lab, and/or computational skills.
• Excitement about soil biogeochemistry.
• Experience in field, lab, or computational scientific research (in or outside of a classroom).

MS Position:

• Bachelor’s degree by May 2027.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience and interest in soil science or terrestrial biogeochemistry.
• Field, lab, or computational scientific research experience (in or outside of a classroom).
• Excitement about soil biogeochemistry.

Note: Candidates who do not meet all metrics are still encouraged to apply.

---

What They Offer

Benefit	Details
Position	Funded PhD & MS Positions
Organization	University of Wyoming
Lab	Soil CORE lab
Location	Laramie, Wyoming, USA
Funding	RA and TA combination
PhD Duration	At least 4 years
MS Duration	At least 2 years
Work Schedule	Flexible, with capacity for partial remote work
Start Date	Summer 2027 (potential fall 2027)
Professional Development	Opportunities to learn empirical and computational skills, resources for career development
Mentorship	Transparent expectations, regular feedback, research guidance
Diversity Commitment	Welcoming applicants from all backgrounds

---

Application Tips

1. Complete the online application form – PhD applicants: https://forms.gle/igbkefTMjLfLksuq8; MS applicants: https://forms.gle/FFgJPVLkxRKKpKRF8.
2. Apply before October 30, 2026 – Applications received prior to this date will receive priority in review, but the position remains open until filled.
3. Highlight your research experience – Emphasize any field, lab, or computational research experience, whether in or outside of a classroom.
4. Show your interest in soil biogeochemistry – Demonstrate genuine excitement about soil organic matter, global change, and/or management impacts.
5. Mention your communication skills – Strong written and oral communication skills are important for both positions.
6. Demonstrate teamwork and independence – The lab values candidates who can work both independently and collaboratively.
7. Consider both positions – If you do not already have an M.S., consider the funded M.S. position; if you have an M.S., consider the PhD position.
8. Express your career goals – The lab PI is committed to supporting professional development relevant to your career goals.

---

Why These Positions Matter (My Analysis)

Soil organic matter is one of the most important reservoirs of carbon on Earth, and understanding how it responds to climate and management changes is critical for predicting feedbacks to global change and developing sustainable land management strategies. Soil biogeochemistry sits at the intersection of soil science, ecosystem ecology, and global change science, addressing questions that are both fundamentally important and practically relevant. The funded PhD and MS positions in the Soil CORE lab at the University of Wyoming offer exceptional opportunities for students to contribute to this critical research area.

The Soil CORE Lab’s focus on how soil organic matter responds to climate and management changes addresses important questions in environmental science. The PhD position gives students the opportunity to design and conduct independent research on topics such as soil organic matter vulnerability, the drivers of carbon cycling, and the integration of biogeochemical mechanisms into process-based models. This flexibility provides a strong foundation for developing an independent research career. The MS position may focus on soil responses to fire, offering timely and relevant research experience as wildfires increase in frequency and intensity across many regions.

For successful candidates, these positions provide more than financial support. Students will join a supportive and inclusive research environment where they can develop empirical and computational skills, receive transparent mentorship, and pursue professional development aligned with their career goals. The lab’s commitment to diversity in the Earth sciences welcomes and values applicants from all backgrounds. Flexible work arrangements, including partial remote work, and a summer 2027 start date also provide students with greater flexibility during their studies. For students interested in soil biogeochemistry and global change science, these funded positions provide opportunities to develop research expertise and prepare for careers in academia, government, or environmental research.

---

Apply Now

PhD Application Form:

MS Application Form:

• Priority Deadline: October 30, 2026
• Start Date: Summer 2027 (potential fall 2027)
• Location: Laramie, Wyoming, USA
• Organization: University of Wyoming
• Lab: Soil Carbon and Organic matter Response to Environmental change lab (Soil CORE lab)
• PI: Katie Rocci
• Departments: Ecosystem Science and Management; Program in Ecology and Evolution

---

Frequently Asked Questions

• What positions are available? Funded PhD and MS positions in soil biogeochemistry.
• Where are the positions located? Laramie, Wyoming, USA, at the University of Wyoming.
• What is the qualification requirement? PhD: Master’s degree preferred (bachelor’s degree minimum); MS: Bachelor’s degree by May 2027.
• What is the funding? A combination of Research Assistantships (RA) and Teaching Assistantships (TA) for at least 4 years (PhD) or 2 years (MS).
• What is the research focus? Soil organic matter responses to climate and management changes, with potential focus areas including global change vulnerability, drivers of cycling, process-based models, and fire responses (MS).
• When does the position start? Summer 2027, with potential for fall 2027 if needed.
• What is the application deadline? Applications received prior to October 30, 2026 will receive priority in review, but the position remains open until filled.
• How do I apply? Fill out the online form: PhD (https://forms.gle/igbkefTMjLfLksuq8) or MS (https://forms.gle/FFgJPVLkxRKKpKRF8).
• Who is the PI? Katie Rocci, Principal Investigator of the Soil CORE lab.
• Is remote work possible? Yes, the position offers a flexible work schedule and the capacity for partial remote work as needed.
• What is the lab’s commitment to diversity? The lab PI is committed to advancing diversity in the Earth sciences and welcomes applicants of any race, color, nationality, creed, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, economic class, ability, military status, family or marital status, pregnancy, political ideas, or genetic information.

---

Related Opportunities

• PhD Student in Resilient Forage Production Systems | SLU Sweden
• PhD Position: Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Legumes | University of Seville
• PhD Assistantship in Environmental Soil Physics | Penn State University