Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship: The AgroHydrology Laboratory in the Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join the research group in Spring or Summer 2026. The position will focus on conservation agriculture, soil hydrology, and innovative agrohydrological modeling frameworks. This is a fully funded Graduate Research Assistantship opportunity.
Summary Table
| Designation | Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship |
|---|---|
| Research Area | AgroHydrology, Conservation Agriculture, Soil & Water Modeling |
| Location | Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, USA |
| Start Date | Spring or Summer 2026 |
| Funding | Fully Funded Graduate Research Assistantship |
Designation
Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship
Research Area
- Effects of conservation agricultural practices on soil hydrological properties and processes
- Development of frameworks for modeling conservation agriculture impacts on ecosystem services
- Process-based agrohydrological modeling
- Use of machine learning models in agrohydrology
Location
AgroHydrology Laboratory
Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- B.S. or M.S. in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Soil and Plant Science, or related disciplines
- Strong English writing and communication skills
- For international applicants: TOEFL (minimum 79 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.5)
- Demonstrated expertise in hydrologic, water quality, crop, or economic modeling
- Proficiency in programming languages (R or Python)
- Experience with GIS, remote sensing, and handling large datasets
Preferred Qualifications:
- Skills in installation and management of sensor and water monitoring networks
- Knowledge of machine learning models
- Experience processing imagery from satellites or UAVs
Job Description
The selected Ph.D. student will:
- Conduct field measurements related to soil and water processes
- Perform process-based agrohydrological modeling
- Apply machine learning models for conservation agriculture research
- Present findings at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications
How to Apply
Interested applicants should email the following documents to Dr. Sayantan Samanta:
- Curriculum Vitae (with names and contact details of three professional references)
- One-page Cover Letter describing research experience and interests
- Academic Transcripts
- Test scores (if applicable)
Email Subject Line: AgroHydrology Ph.D.
Applicants must also apply to the Mississippi State University Graduate School once selected. For details, visit:
- Graduate Admissions: https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/admissions
- Department Website: https://www.abe.msstate.edu
Last Date for Apply
- Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
