Graduate Assistantship

4-year PhD position in Paleoclimatology and Stable Isotope Geochemistry is available at Montclair State University in the scenic Upper Montclair, NJ, a suburb of New York City. The PhD position is part of our interdisciplinary Environmental Science and Management PhD program (https://www.montclair.edu/environmental-management-phd), and is related to the reconstruction of deep time climate using stable isotopes and Earth system modeling. The newly established stable isotope geochemistry facility at Montclair State allows for hands-on measurements of C, N and S isotopes of organic matter in marine and terrestrial sediments. The goal is to conduct innovative research on understanding the Earth system processes, to train next-generation scientists, and to communicate discovery and its relevance to the broad society. The research will be focused on investigating causes and consequences of past global warming periods, such as the Early Eocene hyperthermal events and the end-Permian mass extinction event to understand the biogeochemistry and climate sensitivity during events that are considered as ancient analogs of ongoing climate change. 

Graduate student benefits include a stipend (TA or RA), tuition waiver, and health insurance. 

Candidates should contact me at cuiy@montclair.edu or 973-655-7273 if you are interested in pursuing research in Paleoclimatology and Stable Isotope Geochemistry. For inquiries, please include a cover letter describing your background, research interests, and qualifications, as well as a current resumé or curriculum vitae (CV).

PhD program applications should be submitted to the Graduate School, due March 15, 2020 for Fall starting date.

Application Components: 

1.    Apply to the Graduate School.

2.    Personal statement.

3.    Statement of Research Interests. The essay should include a list of faculty members with whom you have communicated and who are willing to serve as your research advisor.

4.    Official transcripts from ALL undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. 

5.    Applicants with a non-U.S. degree: In lieu of a transcript, please submit a course-by-course evaluation along with U.S. degree equivalency information of your coursework from any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or by Educated Choices.

6.    Three letters of reference from university faculty or professional supervisors who can attest to your potential for success in doctoral level research and coursework.

7.    GRE scores. Montclair State University’s reporting code is 2520.

8.    TOEFL scores for international applicants. Montclair State University’s reporting code is 2520.

9.    Application fee.

Evaluation of applications

Successful applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and/or a masters degree with a graduate grade point average of at least 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a non-U.S. degree must submit a course-by-course evaluation with U.S. degree equivalency information for bachelors and (if applicable) masters coursework from any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or by Educated Choices. There is no threshold GRE score for admission. However, our current program-wide average scores are 306 (Q+V) and 4.0 for AWS. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact possible research advisors and research projects prior to submitting an application and solicit letters of reference from university faculty who can specifically address your potential to conduct doctoral-level research.

See the Graduate School’s Admission Review and Application Process FAQ’s for more information on applying to be a graduate student at Montclair State University.