PhD Position - Field Agronomy and Regenerative Management; FARM Lab

The Field Agronomy and Regenerative Management (FARM) Lab is seeking a Ph.D. student to join our group starting in Spring 2027. Our research focuses on management strategies that integrate soil health, nutrient management, and regenerative agriculture to support the sustainable management of agroecosystems. By joining our team, the successful applicant will lead an applied research project evaluating whether and how soil health translates into production benefits in Maine potato systems.

This project will seek to link soil health indicators to soil nitrogen (N) responses, N use efficiency, potato yield, and tuber quality through replicated on-farm N rate trials established across a regenerative management gradient.

• M.S. in agronomy, soil science, or a related field
  Experience in agronomic research
• Knowledge of regenerative agriculture and/or soil health practices
• Experience with statistical analysis of experimental data (e.g., R, SAS, or similar)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific findings to diverse audiences (e.g., presentations, reports, publications)
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Willingness to conduct field-based research and coordinate on-farm activities
• Ability to lift approximately 40 lb and work in outdoor field conditions (e.g., wind, rain, heat)
• Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain one at the start of the program)

• Previous work in potato or other cropping production systems
• Experience with soil health indicators and/or nutrient management research
• Experience working with farming communities or extension programs
• Analytical laboratory experience
• Experience with small-plot and/or on-farm research trials
• Ability to manage, organize, and analyze complex datasets (e.g., repeated measurements, multi-location trials)