Application Deadline: 09/30/2026
Hours per Week: at least 20
Salary: starting at $31,000 per year
Education Required: Masters
The Wetland and Aquatic Biogeochemistry Lab at Louisiana State University is seeking a motivated PhD student to study phosphorus dynamics and harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal river and estuary systems in southeastern Louisiana. The funded project investigates how land-use change, internal sediment loading, and seasonal hydrology drive phosphorus availability and water-quality impairment in the Lake Pontchartrain Estuary and its tributaries.
The student will lead field-based research, including river transect sampling, high-resolution water-quality monitoring, intact sediment core incubation studies, and phosphorus fractionation analysis. The work combines aquatic biogeochemistry, nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, and environmental management, with direct relevance to watershed and HAB mitigation efforts.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Holds (or will soon complete) an MS in environmental science, biogeochemistry, oceanography, ecology, or a related field
- Is comfortable with fieldwork in aquatic and estuarine environments
- Has interest or experience in nutrient analysis, sediment chemistry, or water-quality monitoring
- Is self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively
Preferred qualifications:
- Previous publication record
- experience in analytical chemistry techniques
Support: $31,000/year stipend, with 75% of health insurance premiums covered.
To apply: Send a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Dr. John White (lsuwabl@outlook.com). *Any contact outside of this email will not be considered
