Dr Zhongjie Yu Recruiting Two Funded Watershed PhD Students — Illinois 2027
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr Zhongjie Yu’s Hydro-Biogeochemistry Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks two fully funded PhD students for Fall 2027. Research focuses on watershed nitrogen transport, microbial transformations and isotope methods. Contact Dr Yu first, then apply by 15 December 2026 for full funding consideration.
Two doctoral researchers will join an NSF CAREER project on watershed nitrogen reactive transport in the Hydro-Biogeochemistry Lab. Possible methods include nitrate, nitrous oxide and water isotopes, labelled tracers, hydrochemical sensors, and process or data-driven modelling. The lab states that the positions are fully funded through research and teaching assistantships. Fall 2027 admission is through the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences PhD at Illinois. Applications can be submitted until 15 May 2027, but 15 December 2026 is the deadline for full funding consideration.
Source and verification
Check the current official call before applying
Recorded source check: October 19, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
The lab advertises two fully funded PhD positions through a combination of research and teaching assistantships. Illinois NRES says qualifying assistantships provide a stipend plus tuition and partial fee waiver; the precise appointment, stipend and any remaining fees should be confirmed in the individual offer.
Eligibility summary
Applicants with interests in soil science, hydrology, ecology, environmental science or engineering, agronomy, or related fields are welcome. Prior laboratory or field work, isotope methods or modelling experience is helpful but not required. NRES PhD admission requirements and English-language rules apply; an Illinois faculty member must agree to advise the applicant.
Requirements
Email Dr Zhongjie Yu at zjyu@illinois.edu with a brief statement of research interests and experience and a CV before applying. Then submit the Natural Res & Env Sciences PhD application through the Illinois Graduate College and list Dr Yu as a prospective adviser.
Documents required
Graduate application, personal statement, CV or resume, transcripts, three references and any applicable English-proficiency evidence. Send a brief research-interest statement and CV to Dr Yu in the initial enquiry.
Language/test requirements
How to submit applications
Verified on 19 October 2026 against the Illinois lab opportunity and NRES admissions/funding pages. Contact Dr Yu before applying. 15 December 2026 is for full funding consideration; applications can continue until 15 May 2027, but funding chances may fall. Exact 15 December cutoff time is not published, so applicants should submit early.
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