Fully Funded Forest Ecology PhD Position at the University of Texas at El Paso (Fall 2027)
Are you passionate about forest ecology, ecosystem science, remote sensing, or environmental research? The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Forest Ecology beginning in Fall 2027.
Hosted by the Landscape Ecology Lab through UTEP’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) Program, this doctoral opportunity allows students to participate in an NSF-funded collaborative research project focused on forest vegetation structure, soil ecology, and ecosystem function.
The successful applicant will work alongside researchers from several leading institutions, gaining valuable experience in field ecology, remote sensing, and interdisciplinary environmental science. Applications are open until January 31, 2027.
PhD Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) |
| Program | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) PhD |
| Laboratory | Landscape Ecology Lab |
| Research Area | Forest Ecology, Remote Sensing, Soil Ecology |
| Location | El Paso, Texas, USA |
| Field Research Site | Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (Edgewater, Maryland) |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2027 |
| Start Date | Between August 1 and August 20, 2027 |
| Expected Completion | After May 16, 2031 |
| Annual Funding | $26,000–$30,000 |
| Weekly Commitment | 40–60 Hours |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Experience Required | At least one year of research experience |
About the Research Project
This PhD project is part of an NSF-funded research initiative (Award #2621909) that investigates how forest ecosystems function below and above ground.
The research emphasizes the relationship between forest vegetation structure, root systems, soil ecology, and ecosystem processes using advanced remote sensing technologies and ecological field methods.
Students will contribute to research that improves scientific understanding of forest ecosystems while helping develop innovative approaches to monitoring environmental change.
Collaborative Research Opportunities
One of the major strengths of this PhD position is its collaborative research network.
The selected student will work with scientists from several respected institutions, including:
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)
- University of Connecticut (UConn)
- Indiana University (IU)
- Kenyon College
- University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
Working within this multidisciplinary team provides opportunities to learn from experts across ecology, remote sensing, environmental science, and ecosystem research.
Research Areas
The doctoral research will focus on several interconnected topics, including:
- Forest vegetation structure
- Root ecology
- Soil ecology
- Ecosystem function
- Remote sensing applications
- Landscape ecology
- Forest monitoring
- Ecological field research
- Environmental data analysis
This combination of fieldwork and technology makes the project especially valuable for students interested in modern ecological research.
Fieldwork Experience
A significant portion of the research will involve fieldwork at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland.
Students should be prepared to spend one to two semesters conducting intensive outdoor research.
Field activities may involve:
- Long hours outdoors
- Forest vegetation surveys
- Soil sampling
- Ecological measurements
- Remote sensing data collection
- Working in varying weather conditions
Outside of the required field seasons, students will complete the remainder of their doctoral studies at UTEP in El Paso, Texas.
Funding and Benefits
UTEP provides a competitive financial support package for doctoral students.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Annual graduate assistantship funding of $26,000–$30,000
- Full tuition remission
- Student health insurance
- Access to NSF-supported research
- Mentorship from faculty and collaborating scientists
- Opportunities to build research and field experience
These benefits allow students to focus on their doctoral research while receiving comprehensive academic support.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2
- Previous independent research experience
- Field research experience
- Ability to obtain a U.S. driver’s license
- Willingness to complete extended periods of outdoor fieldwork
Candidates who enjoy both field-based ecology and quantitative environmental research are likely to be strong fits for this opportunity.
Who Should Apply?
This PhD position is ideal for students interested in careers involving:
- Forest Ecology
- Landscape Ecology
- Remote Sensing
- Ecosystem Science
- Soil Ecology
- Environmental Research
- Conservation Science
- Forestry
- Climate and Ecosystem Studies
- Academic Research
The interdisciplinary nature of the project also makes it attractive to applicants seeking experience with collaborative, NSF-funded research. This doctoral position offers much more than financial support. It provides the opportunity to participate in a nationally funded research project while collaborating with scientists from multiple leading institutions.
Highlights include:
- NSF-funded research experience
- Graduate assistantship with annual funding
- Full tuition remission
- Student health insurance
- Collaborative work with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
- Extensive ecological fieldwork
- Training in remote sensing technologies
- Interdisciplinary research environment
- Strong preparation for careers in academia, conservation, government agencies, and environmental consulting
For students interested in advancing research on forest ecosystems and environmental change, this is an excellent opportunity to build both scientific expertise and professional experience.
Required Application Materials
Interested applicants should email the following documents to Dr. Elizabeth La Rue:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including any publications
- One-page statement describing:
- Research experience
- Career goals
- Research interests
- Contact information for two professional references
- Interested applicants can contact Dr. La Rue (ealarue@utep.edu) with your CV (including any publications), a 1-page summary of your research/career goals, and contact info for 2 references.
Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2027.
Submitting materials early is recommended.
Contact Information
Prospective applicants may direct questions and application materials to:
Dr. Elizabeth La Rue
Landscape Ecology Lab
University of Texas at El Paso
Email: ealarue@utep.edu
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Position Published | July 23, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2027 |
| Program Start | August 1–20, 2027 |
| Expected Program Completion | After May 16, 2031 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a fully funded PhD position?
Yes. The position includes a graduate assistantship, tuition remission, and student health insurance, with annual funding ranging from $26,000 to $30,000.
What research will the PhD student conduct?
The student will investigate forest vegetation structure, root ecology, soil ecology, ecosystem function, and remote sensing applications as part of an NSF-funded collaborative research project.
Where will the fieldwork take place?
Most field research will be conducted at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland, while the student will be based at UTEP in El Paso, Texas, outside of field seasons.
What educational background is required?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as ecology, biology, environmental science, forestry, or a closely related field.
Is prior research experience required?
Yes. Applicants should have at least one year of independent research experience, including field-based research experience.
Is a driver’s license required?
Applicants must be able to obtain a U.S. driver’s license, as the project involves travel and extensive fieldwork.
How long is the PhD program?
The position begins in August 2027, with an expected completion date after May 16, 2031, depending on academic progress and research requirements.
How do I apply?
Email your CV (including publications), a one-page statement of research experience and career goals, and contact information for two professional references to ealarue@utep.edu before January 31, 2027.
What makes this opportunity unique?
This PhD combines NSF-funded research, extensive field experience, remote sensing technologies, and collaboration with researchers from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and multiple universities, offering excellent preparation for careers in ecological research and environmental science.
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