Summary
A PhD track position is available starting January 2027 within the Paerl Lab at NC State University. This position is part of a larger NOAA ECOHAB-funded project investigating the factors that influence the formation and persistence of “brown tide” (Aureoumbra lagunensis) in coastal waters, in collaboration with the Texas A&M University (Wetz Lab) and NC State (Osburn Lab).
PhD Position: Marine Microbiology & Harmful Algal Blooms at NOAA, USA
Designation
PhD Candidate / Graduate Research Assistant
Key Details Overview
| Category | Details |
| Department | Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences (MEAS) |
| Institution | NC State University |
| Start Date | January 2027 |
| Funding/Support | 3 years of research assistantship support |
Research Area
Marine Microbiology, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), B-vitamins, and Coastal Water Ecology.
Location
Paerl Lab, NC State University main campus, Raleigh, NC, USA.
Eligibility/Qualification
At the time of enrollment, applicants must have:
- An undergraduate or master’s degree in biology, ecology, oceanography, microbiology, (bio)chemistry, or a related field.
Highly competitive candidates will also possess:
- Knowledge of marine ecosystems and harmful algal blooms (HABs).
- Analytical chemistry experience, specifically with solid phase extraction (SPE) techniques.
- Wet-lab skills, including algal cultivation and micropipette skills.
- Research career ambition and excellent data organization/analysis skills.
- Strong written and spoken communication skills.
- The ability to work effectively within a team framework.
Job Description
The selected candidate will be expected to:
- Lead laboratory experiments utilizing algal cultures.
- Process seawater samples for vitamin measurements.
- Perform timely data analysis.
- Coordinate with collaborating labs (Wetz and Osburn) regarding field sampling and data sharing.
- Provide mentorship to undergraduate students.
- Contribute to collective lab efforts, including collaborative sampling and outreach activities.
- Pursue a Marine Science degree through the MEAS department, taking advantage of interdisciplinary training in in-silico, in-situ, and in-vivo tools.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send a single PDF to Dr. Ryan Paerl at rpaerl@ncsu.edu. The PDF must include the following four items:
- Contact information for two professional references.
- CV along with undergraduate/graduate transcripts.
- A writing sample (e.g., a published journal article, technical report, etc.).
- A response to the following prompt (maximum 2 pages, single-spaced): Briefly highlight a problem and testable hypothesis related to HABs as well as how it could be experimentally tested.
(Note: Best candidates will be encouraged to apply for spring admission to MEAS. The spring admission deadline for international applicants has already passed).
Last Date to Apply
October 1, 2026
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