The Darby Soil Ecology and Ecological Genomics Lab at the University of North Dakota is seeking a Ph.D. student for a USDA-funded soil health monitoring research project. The goal of this project is to quantify the ecological and economic soil health effects of the Conservation Reserve Program. We seek someone who would be able to help with considerable travel and field work during the summer, and also pursue independent investigations into the soil biota, such as nematodes. To apply, please send a single PDF file to Dr. Brian Darby (brian.darby@und.edu) that includes a 1-2 page cover letter (including your academic background and current status, scientific interests, professional goals, and experiences with the relevant lab and analytical skills), curriculum vitae (plus any significant publications), graduate and undergraduate (unofficial) transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references (institutional affiliation, email, and phone). Applications will be reviewed February 10, 2021, and will continue until a candidate is identified and invited to apply for admission to the University of North Dakota graduate program to begin as soon as summer 2021. Preliminary letters of inquiry are welcome.