Virginia Tech
6 days ago
Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Agroecosystem Modeling, Remote Sensing, and Sustainable Agriculture at Virginia Tech Virginia Tech in United States
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Fully funded research assistantship support is provided, including a stipend, tuition, and associated benefits.
Country
United States
University
Virginia Tech
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About this position
Virginia Tech’s Agroecosystem Modeling Lab is recruiting two fully funded PhD students for Fall 2027 under the supervision of Dr. Yongfa You, Assistant Professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences.
The available projects examine agricultural diversification, including crop rotations and cover crops, and grazing and pasture management. Research will investigate crop productivity, soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, forage productivity, soil carbon, and nutrient cycling.
The lab combines process-based modeling, agricultural remote sensing, field observations, meta-analysis, spatial big data, and deep learning to study sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Relevant research interests include ecosystem carbon, nitrogen, and water cycling; agricultural process-based modeling; crop and ecosystem models; and data-driven environmental research.
Applicants should have a relevant master’s degree in agriculture, remote sensing, GIS, ecology, soil science, geography, or a related area. Programming experience in Python, R, MATLAB, or C++ and experience handling large-scale spatial data are expected. Familiarity with APSIM, DSSAT, DNDC, or CLM is an advantage. The position offers full research assistantship support, including a stipend, tuition, and associated benefits.
To apply, email Dr. Yongfa You at [email protected] using the subject line “Prospective PhD Student – [Your Name]” and attach a CV, academic transcripts, and cover letter. Candidates should also review the lab website and Virginia Tech’s English proficiency requirements.
Funding details
Fully funded research assistantship support is provided, including a stipend, tuition, and associated benefits.
What's required
Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree in agriculture, remote sensing, GIS, ecology, soil science, geography, or a related field. Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, R, MATLAB, or C++) and experience with large-scale spatial data are expected. Experience with ecosystem or crop models such as APSIM, DSSAT, DNDC, or CLM is advantageous. Applicants should also meet Virginia Tech's English proficiency requirements and submit a CV, academic transcripts, and cover letter.
How to apply
Email Dr. Yongfa You at [email protected] with the subject line “Prospective PhD Student – [Your Name]”. Attach your CV, academic transcripts, and cover letter. Review the lab website and English proficiency requirements before applying.
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Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.