Employer: Dr. Katsutoshi Mizuta, Assistant Professor of Digital Agriculture and Soil Science, toshi.m@uky.edu

Location of Position: Lexington, Kentucky

Deadline to Apply: Monday, April 15, 2024

The Digital Agriculture and Soil Science Laboratory in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Ph.D. student for multi-state projects. The selected student will be assisted in developing his/her/their own research projects. One of the research ideas is to integrate field and proximal/remote sensing-based data and assess the effects of soil health practices on carbon/nutrient cycling, water dynamics, and yield stability in agroecosystems. The student is expected to employ stochastic and process-based models to simulate the existing soil health practices in Kentucky. This work will be conducted as part of an interdisciplinary team comprising various scientists, growers, crop consultants, and government agencies. Another idea includes, but is not limited to, working with the large existing cover crop datasets. There are numerous opportunities to further enhance collaborations and expand research in both fieldwork and computational studies. The student is strongly encouraged to develop their own research topics leading up to graduation and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations at scientific meetings/conferences. Financial support, including tuition waiver and a generous stipend, is available.

Application Process: Prospective applicants are requested to contact Dr. Mizuta and submit the following documents: (1) a comprehensive CV, (2) a statement detailing their research experiences and goals (maximum of 2 pages), (3) unofficial transcripts, and (4) contact information for one reference (three references are preferred). When sending the email, please use the subject line "Inquiry about Ph.D. Position". The application review process will start on February 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Only candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted and invited to participate in virtual interviews. The selected candidates will be required to formally submit a formal application to the Department of Plant & Soil Sciences graduate program. International applicants must submit their application by April 15, 2024, while domestic applicants must submit no later than one month before the start of the term (See details). The candidate selected after the final interview will start the program in the fall semester of 2024 or as early as possible. Note that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply as well.

The University of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications will be accepted without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The address of the College of Agriculture EEO Coordinator is room S-101 Agricultural Science Building, 500 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40546-0091.

Employer: Dr. Lauren Brzozowski

Location of Position: Lexington, Kentucky

Deadline to Apply: Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Work opportunities for undergraduates who are interested in molecular plant breeding & genetics are available in the Brzozowski Lab! We work on plant breeding and genetics for sustainable production of oats, rye, and intermediate wheatgrass in Kentucky. 

Full time hourly work – Summer 2024 (approx. May 10-Aug. 10). Come learn all about plant breeding in Kentucky, and get paid to do it! Responsibilities will include: Field data collection, harvesting plants, preparing and analyzing seeds for future studies, and occasional greenhouse work or sample preparation for laboratory analysis. 

Requirements: No experience required! Students must be eligible to be authorized to drive a university vehicle for travel to research farms. This position requires outdoor work in all weather, and will include lifting, walking on uneven ground, and working in proximity to agricultural equipment. All safety and research trainings will be provided on the job. Wage will align with CAFE standards.

Interested? Contact Dr. Lauren Brzozowski, lauren.brzozowski@uky.edu

Employer: Dr. Montse Salmeron

Location of Position: Lexington, Kentucky

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, May 1, 2024

We are hiring undergraduate students to join our research team. You will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience conducting field experiments and laboratory research focused on increasing productivity and environmental sustainability of grain cropping systems.

Requirements: Valid driver’s license. Attention to detail and being comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Timing and Pay: Full-time or part-time positons available. Competitive hourly pay based on experience.

Interested? Send your CV to msalmeron@uky.edu