Research Assistant in Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology

I am excited to recruit a Ph.D. student to join my new Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison! The student will work with me, as well as members of the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences community, to design and implement their own project in the area of ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, soils and/or plant root systems. Project ideas could include (but are not limited to): examining root and soil carbon (C) dynamics under global change, investigating the role of competing global change drivers in forest productivity, or linking root traits and processes to ecological models and remotely sensed data. Connecting research to community outreach and science communications will be highly encouraged as a part of the position. Other expectations include attending weekly lab meetings, attending department seminars and activities, developing working relationships with incoming lab members, submitting work to peer reviewed journals, and attending scientific conferences. 

A strong candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree, have strong written and oral communication skills, and demonstrate a capacity to work both independently and as a part of a team. They will also demonstrate curiosity toward earth and environmental sciences and be committed to interdisciplinary learning.

The student will be joining a small but welcoming and highly collaborative lab group that is expected to grow over the next two to three years. Work will be based out of Madison, WI, which is regularly voted as one of America’s best college towns and offers many opportunities for music, arts, sports, and outdoor recreation. 

As the lab PI, I will offer transparent expectations, research guidance, opportunities to learn lab and field work skills, resources for professional development relevant to the student’s career goals, regular feedback on progress, and overall respect. I am committed to and accountable for advancing diversity in the Earth sciences and welcome applicants of any race, color, nationality, creed, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, economic class, ability, military status, family or marital status, pregnancy, political ideas, or genetic information to apply. 

The student will be supported by a research assistantship (RA) of at least 3 years with continued RA or teaching assistantship funding for the remainder of the student’s program. Stipend rates are based on Graduate School policies, with expected increases in the coming years. The position offers a flexible work schedule and the capacity for partial remote work as needed to meet the student’s needs. Start date is anticipated for the fall 2025 semester but an earlier start date is negotiable. 

To apply please send the following to emhauser@wisc.edu:

• Most recent CV

   

  A letter of interest detailing why the applicant is interested in pursuing research in the lab

   

  Contact information for 2-3 professional or academic references

   

Applications received prior to February 22, 2025 will receive priority in review, but the position will remain open until filled. If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Emma Hauser, emhauser@wisc.edu.