The Wollheim lab, in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of New Hampshire, seeks a PhD level graduate student to conduct research on the coupled biogeochemical responses to land use and climate variability in suburban Boston watersheds. We are particularly interested in understanding how storm events and seasons interact with beaver created ecosystems to affect the flow of materials to downstream ecosystems and greenhouse gas emissions at watershed scales.
The research could emphasize field measurements and in situ experiments, as well as modeling to synthesize results and to scale from individual ecosystems to entire river networks. This project is funded through the National Science Foundation’s Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program for the Plum Island Ecosystem project. The Plum Island Estuary receives drainage waters from suburban Boston via the Ipswich and Parker River watersheds. The student would be funded as a research assistantship through the LTER project to maintain the long-term measurements in the watersheds in addition to pursuing their individual research. Collaborating institutions on this interdisciplinary study include the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of South Carolina, Villanova University, Boston University, and Northeastern University.
Qualifications: The candidate must have an M.S. in ecosystem ecology, hydrology, biogeochemistry, or closely related field, along with demonstrated understanding of ecosystem processes. Strong quantitative skills are required so an additional background in data science or environmental modeling are also helpful. A B.S. with strong relevant experience will also be considered. All interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, including those who are first generation college or underrepresented in STEM fields.
Start Date: Position available starting Fall Semester 2026.
For more information regarding the position, please contact Dr. Wilfred Wollheim (wil.wollheim@unh.edu). UNH is located in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire approximately an hour and a half from Boston, MA and an hour from Portland, ME.
To Apply: Send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in and a good fit for the position, statement of research interests (max 2 pages), resume or curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references (electronic versions of all materials are required) to wil.wollheim@unh.edu, Subject: UNH_PHD. Please attach all application materials as word documents or PDFs in the email, with the candidate name included in the file name. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2025 and will continue until a suitable applicant is found for the position.
