Graduate Research Assistantship: Astropedology and soil microbiology

The graduate student will work collaboratively with a team of graduate researchers and faculty on several aspects of the project, potentially including:

• Microbial community analysis:
  Characterize microbial communities associated with regolith-based and hydroponic systems using bioinformatics and molecular or genomic approaches.
• Experimental research:
  Participate in greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory experiments investigating microbial interactions with lunar and Martian regolith simulants and plant-growing systems.
• Spaceflight-related research:
  Analyze soil and regolith samples associated with experiments conducted in space to investigate how spaceflight conditions influence microbial communities and soil-related processes.
• Data analysis and interpretation:
  Integrate microbial community data with experimental and biogeochemical measurements to understand microbial contributions to soil formation and the development of biologically active regolith.
• Scientific communication:
  Contribute to research presentations, scientific manuscripts, and collaborative publications.

The student will join a collaborative research team consisting of one to two other graduate students working on related aspects of the project. The student will be supervised primarily by Dr. Peyton Smith, with additional guidance and collaboration from Principal Investigator Dr. Howe and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Coker.

The research team will provide opportunities to develop expertise in soil science, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, experimental design, and interdisciplinary research. The student will also have opportunities to contribute to publications and present research findings to the broader scientific community.

The position includes a competitive research assistantship package providing:

$32,000 annual stipend
Tuition and fees
Health insurance

The position is based in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, with an anticipated start in Spring 2027.

• A bachelor's degree in soil science, microbiology, biology, bioinformatics, environmental science, or a related field. It is preferred but not required that Ph.D. candidates have a master's degree.
• Demonstrated experience in bioinformatics and microbial community analysis, including the ability to analyze and interpret biological or microbial datasets.
• Strong motivation to conduct interdisciplinary research and develop new scientific skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Availability to begin the graduate program in Spring 2027.

• Experience conducting greenhouse or growth chamber experiments.
• Hands-on laboratory experience, including biological, microbiological, or soil analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, scientific programming, or reproducible data-analysis workflows.
• Experience with metagenomics, transcriptomics, or metabolomics in environmental microbiomes. Being able to integrate 'omic technologies is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage in evaluating candidates.