About This Research Opportunity
The Sekhon Lab at Clemson University is recruiting a motivated Ph.D. student for a fully funded NSF project investigating how genetic variation and source-sink dynamics shape leaf senescence and nitrogen partitioning and remobilization in maize.
The student's research will integrate field experiments with molecular and quantitative approaches to connect time-resolved phenotypes to regulatory and genomic variation, with opportunities to apply modern machine learning and AI tools including LLM-enabled workflows for analysis and data integration.
This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of plant physiology, quantitative genetics, and cutting-edge computational tools, contributing to a problem of significant agricultural importance: improving nitrogen use efficiency in one of the world's most important crops.
What You Will Do
- Lead and contribute to maize field genetics and physiology experiments, including sampling, phenotyping, and experimental logistics.
- Generate and analyze senescence-relevant datasets such as transcriptomic and regulatory layers as appropriate to the research direction.
- Integrate time-resolved phenotypes with genetic and regulatory variation using statistical modeling and ML/AI approaches, primarily in R and Python.
- Present results at meetings and conferences and contribute to manuscripts and team deliverables.
Who Should Apply
- B.S. or M.S. in plant biology, genetics, genomics, quantitative biology, or a closely related field.
- Strong interest in crop genetics, senescence biology, nutrient use efficiency, and/or regulatory genomics.
- Experience with field research or plant phenotyping.
- Strong communication skills, ability to work independently and in a team, willingness to engage in seasonal field research.
- For non-native English speakers: TOEFL or IELTS requirement already met per Clemson Graduate School policy.
Bonus if You Have These
- Experience with molecular biology, bioinformatics, or quantitative genetics.
- Familiarity with R or Python and statistical analysis. Interest in ML/AI is a definite plus.
Fully Funded Position
This is a fully funded NSF-supported Ph.D. assistantship. Tuition and stipend are covered per Clemson University policy. No funding gap - you focus on the research.
Because the project includes a summer field season, the selected student must be able to start by the second week of May 2026. Please account for this when planning your application timeline.
Application Instructions
Email Dr. Rajan Sekhon at sekhon@clemson.edu with the subject line:
Include the following in your application email:
- Cover letter (1 page maximum) describing your background, research interests, and career goals
- CV (curriculum vitae)
- Contact information for 2 references (and unofficial transcript if available)
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
Sekhon Lab at Clemson University
The Sekhon Lab is based in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry at Clemson University, South Carolina. The lab focuses on the genetic and molecular basis of agronomically important traits in maize, with emphasis on regulatory genomics, gene expression, and crop improvement.
Clemson University offers strong graduate programs in plant sciences, genetics, and computational biology, with excellent field research facilities in South Carolina.