Job overview
Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant in Weed Ecology and Soil Health is available at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States. Review the job description, requirements, closing date and application details below.
Beware of scammers: an employer will never ask for money from you.
Colorado State University is recruiting a Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant to join its Weed Research Lab and conduct interdisciplinary research in sustainable weed management.
Research focus
The assistantship is supported by a Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant. The student's main project will evaluate annual living mulches as a sustainable weed-management strategy in vegetable production systems.
The research will examine physical competition and possible allelopathic effects in weed suppression. It will combine field and greenhouse experiments, soil-health assessments, soil metabolomics, crop-performance measurements, and statistical analysis.
Key responsibilities
- Establish and manage field and greenhouse experiments.
- Collect, manage, analyse, and interpret research data.
- Conduct soil-health assessments and contribute to soil-metabolomics research.
- Prepare scientific manuscripts, reports, presentations, and extension materials.
- Participate in producer meetings, field days, workshops, conferences, lab meetings, mentoring, and outreach.
- Work with CSU staff, students, extension professionals, farmer partners, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Research location and start date
The appointment is based at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. During the growing season, the student will work mainly at the CSU Western Colorado Research Center, including Orchard Mesa and/or Rogers Mesa, and collaborate with farmer partners. Seasonal fieldwork and travel between research sites are required.
The position is expected to be available from January 1, 2027.
Funding and benefits
The selected candidate will receive a competitive Ph.D. graduate research assistantship stipend and the benefits associated with a Colorado State University Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship under current university policies.
Application documents
Email Dr. Lovreet Shergill with your curriculum vitae, unofficial academic transcripts, and a letter of interest. Applicants should verify the latest details on the original Weed Science Society of America opportunity page before applying.
Verified source: Weed Science Society of America.
Requirements
- An earned M.S. degree in weed science, agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science, ecology, biology, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated field, greenhouse, or laboratory research experience.
- Strong written, oral, organisational, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Willingness to conduct seasonal fieldwork and travel to western Colorado research sites and collaborating farms.
- Experience with experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing is preferred.
- Knowledge of weed science, living mulches, soil health, allelopathy, metabolomics, or sustainable agriculture is helpful but not required.
- A valid driver's licence is preferred.
How to apply
Salary: Competitive Ph.D. graduate research assistantship stipend, commensurate with Colorado State University rates.
Email: lovreet.shergill@colostate.edu
Application link: Open the employer application page
Closing date: Dec 20, 2026
Explore related jobs in Zambia
Application guides
Paid Internships and Graduate Trainee Programmes in Zambia
A step-by-step guide to internship and graduate programme searches, eligibility, CVs, cover letters, interviews and scam checks.
