Position Description
Fully funded M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship in Controlled Environment Agriculture (indoor vertical farming & greenhouse crop production), under the supervision of Dr. Qingwu Meng in the Delaware Indoor Ag Lab (DIAL) at the University of Delaware. Research focuses on improving resource use efficiency in controlled environment agriculture.
Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. degree before the start date (M.S. required for Ph.D. applicants)
- Previous research experience and proven track record in controlled environment agriculture (indoor or greenhouse)
- Horticultural LED lighting
- Environmental plant physiology
- Hydroponic or floriculture production
- Plant nutrition
- TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers
- GRE (optional)
- Ability to move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.)
- Availability to work some weekends and holidays
Preferred Qualifications
- Scientific publications in relevant fields
- Exceptional work ethic and integrity
- Curiosity and commitment to research
- Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Receptiveness to feedback
- Strong time management
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Research Topics/Area
- Photobiological and environmental influences under LED lighting
- Hydroponic nutrient solution management
- Use of biostimulants
- Spectral effects on plant diseases
Project Details
Ongoing and planned research on indoor and greenhouse crop production, funded by USDA and FFAR. Experiments utilize DIAL’s color-tunable LED lighting systems, climate-control growth chambers, and greenhouse facilities.
Funding
- Competitive stipend (12-month effort)
- Full tuition scholarship
- Subsidized health insurance
Apply
Email the following to: indooraglab@gmail.com:
- Introductory statement (why you’re the best fit, your research experience in controlled environment agriculture, desired start date)
- Curriculum vitae
Priority consideration deadline: June 10, 2025
(Only short-listed candidates will be contacted; formal UD application upon invitation.)
About PI/Dr./Professor
Dr. Qingwu Meng is Assistant Professor in Plant and Soil Sciences at UD, leading research in controlled environment agriculture with a focus on resource efficiency.
Application Deadline
Priority funding consideration by June 10, 2025.
About University
The University of Delaware is a top-ranked national R1 Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution. Its Newark campus is equipped with advanced facilities for plant science research.
About the Location
Newark, Delaware, on the U.S. East Coast, offers proximity to Philadelphia (≈1 hr), New York City, and Washington, D.C. It combines suburban living with easy access to major metropolitan professional and cultural opportunities.