The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware (UD) has fully funded M.S. or Ph.D. student openings in controlled environment agriculture (indoor vertical farming and greenhouse croр production) or space crop production to start in June September 2024 (Summer or Fall). Students with a strong academic and research background in horticulture, plant/crop science, or a related field are encouraged to apply.
These research projects are funded by agencies including USDA and NASA. You will study 1) how environmental factors interact with nutrient solution factors to influence growth and quality of indoor and greenhouse food and flower crops, and/or 2) lighting optimization for space crop production to improve productivity and nutritional quality of leafy greens (a feature article on this NASA project). Our research aims to improve resource use efficiency of controlled environment agriculture and space crop production with dynamic, efficient, and effective environmental and nutrient management strategies. Additional assistantship duties are to be expected.
UD is a top-ranked national R1 Land Grant, Sea Grant and Space Grant institution. Located in Newark, Delaware on the East Coast, UD is within 2 hours of New York City and Washington, D.C., and 1 hour of Philadelphia. Our Delaware Indoor Ag Lab (DIAL) features state-of-the-art tunable LED lighting systems and climate-control growth chambers.
Accepted M.S. and Ph.D. students will receive a competitive stipend, a tuition scholarship, and subsidized health insurance.
Qualifications
- A B.S. or M.S. degree in a related field before the desired start date. An M.S. degree in a related field is required for Ph.D. applicants.
- GRE is not required. TOEFL, or IELTS is required for international applicants.
- Previous research experience and proven track record in at least one of the following and related areas: Controlled environment agriculture (indoor or greenhouse crop production), floriculture, horticultural LED lighting, plant physiology, and plant nutrition. Peer-reviewed publications are a plus.
- Ability to move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.), work in a collaborative and diverse team environment, and work on some weekends and holidays
- Exceptional work ethic and integrity, drive and commitment to research, attention to detail, problem- solving, mature receptiveness to feedback, time management, and oral and written communication skills
Contact
Please email the following to indooraglab@gmail.com before formally applying: 1) an introductory statement
of why you are the best fit (technical and personal traits); and 2) a CV. Email by January 5, 2024 for priority
funding consideration. Positions are open until filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Additional links