Graduate Research Assistantships in Soilless Substrate Science - Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University
Application
Details
Posted: 13-Feb-24
Location: Hammond, Louisiana
Type: Full Time
Specialty:
Soil Science
Other
Additional Information:
2 openings available.
Soilless culture involves the production of crops in container-grown systems. These systems rely upon substrates, to take the place of soil in the production cycle. Substrates are similar to field soils, while uniquely engineered for use in these specialized systems.
The Fields Lab at Louisiana State University is seeking two highly qualified students for fully funded graduate research assistantships in pursuit of either PhD or MS degrees in soilless substrate science. Student research programs will focus on developing more sustainable and efficient production practices for nursery and greenhouse horticulture systems, with a primary focus on soilless substrate science. The scope of individual projects will focus on substrate science, but research topics are flexible to fit the strengths and interests of the students.
Some primary areas of interest are:
Production Efficiency and Improved Techniques
Soilless substrate stratification – Implementation and optimization of novel substrate layering techniques to improve crop productivity and resource efficiency.
Root zone temperature management – Development of innovative techniques and strategies to manage substrate temperature to improve production practices.
Abiotic crop stress in soilless culture – Understanding and resolving stress issues in container crop production to improve climate resilient production practices.
Fertilizer and irrigation efficiency in soilless production – Developing innovative solutions to conserve natural resources and produce crops more efficiently.
Substrate Materials
Wood fiber substrates – Wood fiber use is rapidly growing globally, with abundant opportunities to develop improvements to processing and implementation.
Sugarcane bagasse as an effective substrate component – Exploration of sugarcane fibers, a common agricultural byproduct in tropical/subtropical regions, for their use in horticultural production.
Core Substrate Science
Thermal conductivity of soilless substrates – Developing an understanding of the relationship between substrates and temperature dynamics.
Substrate microbiology and stability – Assessment of substrate decomposition mechanisms to advance engineering and development of long-term substrates.
Substrate hydrology and physics – Advancing knowledge of soilless substrate physical structure and modeling water:air dynamics to maximize production and resource efficiency.
These projects will be developed around core scientific learning, with outcome-informed application to industry stakeholders to enhance productivity and sustainability of the nursery and greenhouse industry.
The positions are located at the Hammond Research Station, approximately 50 miles from Baton Rouge, LA, and 50 miles from MSY International Airport in New Orleans, LA. Inexpensive to no cost on-site housing may be available. The student will receive a competitive 12-month stipend that includes tuition and health benefits. Students in these positions will be provided resources needed to succeed, including dedicated office space, fully funded research, technical support staff assistance, travel opportunities, and professional development and networking opportunities. Research will be conducted in lab, greenhouse, and field environments, and at times will involve periods working in unfavorable conditions.
We are seeking students that desire to be at the forefront of the future of soilless production systems, with my lab providing the opportunity to enter this growing field. Applicants should be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and eager to learn. Above all, students must have a fundamental desire for personal growth and the drive to push boundaries in advancing scientific research. Students in these programs will be expected to publish impactful research and will be provided with opportunities to leave a positive mark on the global community. Students will collaborate with growers and researchers nationally and internationally in developing applied solutions. Applicants must have a B.S. or similar degree in soil science, agronomy, horticulture, plant science, biological sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, or a similar field. For applicants interested in pursuing a PhD, having an MS is highly preferred. Applicants with a background in computer modeling and data analysis will be considered favorably, as will applicants with a proven track record of effective written and oral communication and laboratory skills.
Application review is ongoing and will occur immediately as they are received. Interested candidates should contact Jeb Fields (JFields@agcenter.lsu.edu) with a statement of purpose, current CV, and contact information for three references. Position timing and start dates are flexible. Questions are welcome. Any additional materials such as sample writing, unofficial transcripts, GRE/TOEFL scores may also be required at the institution’s discretion. The positions will remain open until suitable candidates are identified. Louisiana State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.