We are seeking a motivated PhD student interested in freshwater ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry to join the Helton and Lawrence lab groups at the University of Connecticut beginning in January or June 2027. The student would be part of a broader interdisciplinary team investigating how beaver-created ecosystems in the Northeastern United States affect freshwater carbon cycling. The successful candidate would join the team as a Graduate Assistant (~$38,000 / year) and conduct field work to quantify greenhouse gas dynamics, ecosystem metabolism, and carbon stocks in ponds, wetlands, and streams. The student would also have the opportunity to develop approaches to model beaver-created ecosystem carbon dynamics at the watershed-scale.
Required qualifications include an undergraduate degree in a related field and at least one year of post-baccalaureate research experience; fieldwork experience; interest and experience in biogeochemistry; and, excellent oral and written communication skills. Two or more years of post-baccalaureate research experience or an MS degree in a related field is strongly preferred.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable working environment and encourage students from all backgrounds to apply. Interested? Please email Ashley Helton (Ashley.Helton@uconn.edu) by September 1, 2026 with the subject line “PhD Application Beaver Project”: 1) a statement of your research interests, and 2) a CV that includes relevant professional experience and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
