Ph.D. Opportunity – Biocrust Ecology (CrustNet)

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The Darrouzet-Nardi Laboratory at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is recruiting a fully funded Ph.D. student in UTEP’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. Program beginning in Fall 2026 to join the team for the CrustNet project. CrustNet is a new international distributed experimental network focused on biological soil crust (biocrust) ecology, examining biodiversity, function, and resilience under global change. The student will operate CrustNet sampling nodes in the Chihuahuan Desert, analyze samples from dozens of global sites, and contribute to high-impact publications and international collaborations. The position is funded by an NSF grant and comes with guaranteed stipend support through teaching and research assistantships, extensive desert fieldwork, and opportunities for travel and networking across the global biocrust research community.
UTEP is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) university with an active research community and a vibrant campus at the U.S.-Mexico border. El Paso offers unique field access to desert and mountain ecosystems, as well as a dynamic cultural environment that is often a pleasant surprise to first-time visitors. For strong domestic applicants under serious consideration, I can provide support for a campus visit. Reach out to me if you are thinking about it!
This is an excellent opportunity for a student with a background in field ecology, soils, or dryland ecosystems who is ready to take the next step toward a research career. For more information, see http://anthony.darrouzet-nardi.net or send an inquiry email to ajdarrouzetnardi@utep.edu.
Anthony Darrouzet-Nardi
Associate Professor
Biological Sciences
The University of Texas at El Paso
500 W. University Ave.
El Paso, TX 79968
Office: 915-747-6994
Cell: 303-304-6981
Zoom: https://utep-edu.zoom.us/j/5701731470