Kristina Young

The Dryland Ecosystem Ecology Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a motivated PhD student to join a fully funded research project in dryland biogeochemistry and ecosystem ecology. The position is based in the Department of Integrative Biology (soon to be the Department of Biology) and focuses on understanding nutrient and carbon redistribution in dryland ecosystems under global change scenarios. The research will investigate how shifts in vegetation structure, biological soil crust cover, and sediment retention—driven by global change—affect nutrient and carbon loss and their spatial redistribution across dryland landscapes. The student will explore how ecosystem state transitions influence nitrogen and carbon cycling at multiple scales, integrating concepts from biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, soil science, plant and biological soil crust physiology, and microbial ecology. The project combines fieldwork in the southwestern United States with laboratory analyses, offering a comprehensive training environment for students interested in field ecology, global change biology, and environmental science. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop an independent research program aligned with the broader goals of the lab, receiving close mentorship from Dr. Kristina Young while building research independence. The position offers five years of guaranteed support, including summers, through a combination of research and teaching assistantships, along with a full tuition waiver and stipend. For more information on assistantship details, visit the provided link. Applicants should have a strong background in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related fields, with experience in field and laboratory research preferred. The lab values motivation, independence, and a keen interest in dryland ecosystems and global change. To apply, send your materials to Dr. Kristina Young at [email protected]. For further information, consult Dr. Young's academic profile and the university's graduate assistantship page. Keywords: dryland biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, nutrient cycling, carbon cycling, soil science, plant physiology, biological soil crusts, microbial ecology, global change, field ecology.