Location Department of Agronomy Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center Kansas State University Manhattan, KS 66506-5501
Position Description The Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University is seeking a highly motivated doctoral student for a Ph.D. degree under the advisement of Dr. Brett Lane. The candidate will conduct research related to rhizosphere microbial ecology and functional soil-plant interactions, including the integration of plant genetics with soil microbial dynamics across environments, with applications in nutrient cycling and resilience in cropping systems. The research will involve the collection and processing of large-scale rhizosphere datasets, including multi-omics data; elucidating the ecology of rhizosphere-inhabiting microbes; and quantitative soil–plant–microbe interaction analyses to determine the mechanisms that link plant genotype with microbial composition and activity. Additional approaches will include computational modeling, statistical inference, and the integration of controlled environment, field, greenhouse-based experiments. The candidate will have the opportunity to pursue collaborative projects with Kansas State University breeding programs in wheat, sorghum, and alfalfa, amongst others.
Qualifications B.S. in agronomy, plant pathology, plant science, or other closely related field; M.S. is preferred but not required. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in microbiology, plant science, or a closely related field, a desire to gain research experience, and possess strong written and oral communication skills. Experience in programming with R and statistical analysis is preferred. The successful candidate should demonstrate self-motivation, creativity, and discipline.
Stipend Annual PhD stipend is $36,975. Graduate Research Assistants are considered Kansas residents for tuition purposes and are responsible for paying tuition and fees.
How to Apply Applicants should send a statement of educational and career objectives, resume, transcripts (TOEFL scores for international applicants), and three references to:
Dr. Brett Lane
Assistant Professor
Department of Agronomy
Kansas State University
3704 Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center
Manhattan, KS 66506
E-mail: brlane@ksu.edu
Further information about graduate studies at KSU Department of Agronomy can be found at: http://www.agronomy.ksu.edu or by contacting Robert Berry at rwb7@ksu.edu
Date Available Spring 2027
Screening of applicants begins immediately and will continue until position is filled.