Graduate Student in Plant Ecology (M.S. or Ph.D.)
Texas A&M University (State) | https://eccb.tamu.edu/people/duell-eric/
Details
Application Deadline:
12/01/2025
Published:
11/05/2025
Starting Date:
after 8/1/2026
Hours per Week:
at least 20
Salary:
starting at $28,000 per year
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
none
Location:
College Station, Texas
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Description
Overview: The Duell Lab of Plant-Microbial Interactions at Texas A&M University is seeking highly motivated M.S. and/or Ph.D. students interested in studying plant–microbiome interactions through the lenses of community ecology, co-evolution, and/or land-use history.
Our group explores how plant-associated microbial communities—particularly mycorrhizal fungi and other root symbionts—shape plant performance, coexistence, and ecosystem recovery. Specifically, our team integrates field ecology, molecular methods (e.g., DNA metabarcoding, sequencing), and experimental approaches to understand feedbacks between plants, microbes, and environment. Current and prospective projects include:
- How disturbance regimes (e.g., fire, grazing, and woody encroachment) alter plant–microbial interactions
- Implications of land-use legacy and soil microbial composition for restoration ecology
- Co-evolutionary dynamics between native plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
- Role of animals in dispersal of mycorrhizal propagules
Ideal candidates will have a background or strong interest in ecology, evolution, microbiology, plant biology, or soil science, and enthusiasm for both field and lab work. While not required, preference will be given to prospective students with experience in plant identification, soil microbial analyses (i.e. microscopy, fatty acids, and molecular techniques), and/or statistical analyses (e.g., R, bioinformatics).
Start date: Fall 2026
Application deadline: December 1st, 2025
Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
Department: M.S. students will enroll through the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology (ECCB), while Ph.D. students may choose to join either ECCB or the Interdisciplinary Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), depending on their research interests and career goals.
Funding: While funding (monthly stipend, tuition and fee waiver, and health benefits) is guaranteed, students will be expected to apply for internal and extramural funding opportunities. In some cases, combinations of research and teaching assistantships may be necessary.
Interested applicants should contact Dr. Eric Duell at eric.duell@ag.tamu.edu with a brief description of research interests and CV.
Contact
Eric Duell
eric.duell@ag.tamu.edu (preferred contact method)