PhD Position: Wildfire Impacts on Soil Properties

A Ph.D. graduate student assistantship is available in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Riverside starting Fall 2022. We are looking for an independent and highly-motivated graduate student to conduct research on the impacts of wildfire on soil properties in steep coastal shrublands in southern California. This study will assess the role of pedogenic development in dynamic soil property recovery after wildfire, examine changes during and after fire and compare processes across soil types, evaluate the role of fire frequency in determining black carbon loading, and develop relationships between soil types and hydraulic properties for predictive modeling of fire-affected sites.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's and master's degree in soil science, geology, hydrology, environmental science, ecology, or closely related discipline, experience describing and classifying soils, and a strong interest in pedology, soil geomorphology, and hydrology. Candidates without a master's degree will also be considered. Experience with soil judging is a plus.

If you are interested in applying for this graduate student position please email both Dr. Andy Gray at agray@ucr.edu and Daniel Hirmas at daniel.hirmas@ucr.edu with “Fire Impacts GSR” as the subject line and include your CV and transcripts (unofficial fine). 

More information on the Department of Environmental Sciences graduate program and the formal application process at UCR can be found here: https://envisci.ucr.edu/graduate/prospective-students/admissions-criteria.