The Ecohydrology Lab at K-State is currently seeking two graduate students (MS or PhD) to start in either spring (January) 2027 or fall (August) 2027.
Our research focuses on interactions between ecological and hydrological processes in grasslands, savannas, and shrublands. We combine approaches from plant ecophysiology, ecology, hydrology, and soil science to understand how vegetation shapes water movement and critical zone function under changing climate and land-use conditions. K-State is located in Manhattan, KS in the Flint Hills ecoregion of the Great Plains, with easy access to the Konza Prairie Biological Station. We aim to foster a fun, collaborative, supportive lab environment for students to grow their research skills and create long-lasting networks of peers, collaborators, and mentors. Research projects can be tailored to student interests, but should be relevant to at least one of the following themes:
Research Themes:
- Subsurface impacts of land-use / land-cover change – How do woody encroachment, agriculture, and land management strategies alter the subsurface (root distributions, soil structure, etc.) in ways that influence water fluxes in grasslands? What are the consequences for local water yield?
- Plant water-use strategies and coexistence in water-limited ecosystems – How do differences in rooting and water-use strategies influence competition, coexistence, and ecosystem resilience during drought and other climate extremes?
- Drivers and consequences of preferential flow –How do root systems and rainfall characteristics (intensity, duration, etc.) interact to determine preferential flow occurrence and its ecological consequences (nutrient / pollutant / solute transport, microbial activity, carbon cycling, etc.)?
Position details: Graduate positions at K-State include an annual stipend of $30,771 (paid bi-weekly) and include coverage of tuition and university fees. Students also qualify for a university-subsidized health insurance plan.
Desired Background: Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree (or higher) in ecology, biology, earth sciences, or a related field by the time of hire. Must have strong oral / written communication skills and a willingness to work outdoors in hot weather. Previous research / field experience and coding skills (Program R) are desired, but not required.
How to Apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting right away – please send a brief personal statement (1-pg), your CV, informal transcripts, and contact information for three references to Rachel Keen (rkeen@ksu.edu). Selected applicants will be contacted for a Zoom interview.
Spring semester position – January 2027 start; applications accepted no later than September 15, 2026
Fall semester position – August 2027 start; applications accepted no later than December 1, 2026
Please visit our lab website for more details about the application process and ongoing research projects!