Colorado State University
1 month ago
PhD Graduate Research Assistant in Weed Ecology and Soil Health Colorado State University in United States
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Competitive Ph.D. graduate research assistantship stipend, commensurate with Colorado State University rates, with benefits associated with a Colorado State University Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship according to current CSU policies.
Deadline
Dec 20, 2026
Country
United States
University
Colorado State University

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About this position
Colorado State University is advertising a PhD Graduate Research Assistant position in weed ecology and soil health within the Weed Research Lab and the Department of Agricultural Biology. The project is supported by a Western SARE Research and Education Grant and focuses on evaluating annual living mulches as a sustainable weed-management strategy in vegetable production systems.
The student will study how living mulches suppress weeds through physical competition and possible allelopathic effects, using field and greenhouse experiments, soil-health assessments, and soil metabolomics. The work connects weed suppression, soil function, and crop performance, with opportunities to contribute to scientific manuscripts, research reports, presentations, extension materials, producer meetings, field days, workshops, and professional conferences.
During the growing season, the student will be based primarily at the CSU Western Colorado Research Center (including Orchard Mesa and/or Rogers Mesa) and will collaborate with three farmer partners on on-farm research. The role also includes lab meetings, collaborative research, undergraduate mentoring, outreach, and possible teaching assistant duties depending on program needs, funding, and student interests.
Eligibility highlights: an earned M.S. degree in weed science, agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science, ecology, biology, or a related field; experience with field/greenhouse/lab research; strong communication and organizational skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively; willingness to travel and do seasonal fieldwork in western Colorado. Experience with experimental design, statistics, and scientific writing is preferred, and familiarity with weed science, living mulches, soil health, allelopathy, metabolomics, or sustainable agriculture is desirable.
Funding: competitive PhD graduate research assistantship stipend at Colorado State University rates, plus CSU GRA benefits.
How to apply: send a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a letter of interest to Dr. Lovreet Shergill at [email protected]. The post lists a closing date of 2026-12-20 and indicates the position becomes available on 2027-01-01.
Funding details
Competitive Ph.D. graduate research assistantship stipend, commensurate with Colorado State University rates, with benefits associated with a Colorado State University Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship according to current CSU policies.
What's required
An earned M.S. degree in weed science, agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science, ecology, biology, or a related field is required. Applicants should have demonstrated experience conducting field, greenhouse, or laboratory research, strong written, oral, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Willingness to conduct seasonal fieldwork and travel to research sites and collaborating farms in western Colorado is required. Experience with experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing is preferred. Familiarity with weed science, living mulches, soil health, allelopathy, metabolomics, or sustainable agriculture is desirable but not required. A valid driver’s license is preferred.
How to apply
Email your CV, unofficial transcripts, and a letter of interest to Dr. Lovreet Shergill at [email protected]. The post also provides a mailto apply link with the same email address.
More information can be found here
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