The Shao EcoLab is new at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and we are building the group now. That means early members help shape the lab’s direction, tools, and culture rather than inheriting them.
You do not need to arrive already knowing how to model. Most people who join a modeling lab learn that here. What matters more is curiosity about mechanism, some experience writing code in any language, and care about the ecology. Backgrounds that work well here: microbiology, ecology, soil science, environmental science, geography, atmospheric science, computer science, applied math. People coming from the field or bench side are especially welcome, because models need people who know what the data actually mean.
Graduate Students¶
We are looking for up to two PhD students to start in August 2027. The full announcement (PDF) describes the research themes, funding, and how to apply; the essentials are below.
Admission is through a graduate program rather than directly into the lab. There are two routes:
The Department of Microbiology PhD program: complete applications by December 1, 2026. Students enter as teaching assistants, rotate through two or three labs in the first semester, then join a lab by mutual agreement. I would be glad to host you for a rotation.
The Bredesen Center PhD programs in Data Science and Engineering (DSE), Genome Science and Technology (GST), or Energy Science and Engineering (ESE): complete applications by December 1, 2026. GST uses first-year rotations like Microbiology; DSE and ESE typically match students with a supervisor at admission, so name me in your application.
In all four programs, supervisors are confirmed by the end of the first spring semester.
Funding. All admitted students receive full funding (stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance) for a five-year PhD. In Microbiology, students typically hold teaching assistantships for two years; in the Bredesen Center programs, the Center funds the first year and a competitive teaching assistantship typically covers a second. In both routes the lab provides three years of research assistantship support.
Before applying, I strongly encourage you to get in touch so we can discuss fit and the most suitable route. Email sshao3@utk.edu with subject line “Prospective graduate student” and include:
A brief statement of your research interests and fit for the lab, including the program you are considering (Microbiology or a Bredesen Center program).
Your CV.
Transcripts (unofficial is fine).
Undergraduate Researchers¶
UTK undergraduates interested in ecosystem modeling, scientific computing, or soil microbial ecology are welcome to get in touch. Previous undergraduate projects in the group have led to co-authored publications.
Email sshao3@utk.edu with subject line “Undergraduate research”, a sentence or two on what draws you to this, and your year and major.
Postdoctoral Researchers¶
One funded postdoctoral position is open, and I would be glad to hear from you. The position is funded for three years in process-based ecosystem modeling, with a flexible start date in 2027. Directions include plant–microbe interactions and ecosystem biogeochemistry, the role of minerals in ecosystem management and climate solutions, and next-generation ecosystem models that represent soil biology explicitly and integrate machine learning. The specific question would be shaped around your interests rather than assigned. The full announcement will be posted here.
To get in touch, email sshao3@utk.edu with subject line “Postdoc application” and include:
A short note on what you have worked on, and what you would like to work on here.
Your CV.
Review is ongoing until the position is filled, and I try to reply to everyone.
If you would rather come with your own funding, I would be very happy to co-develop a fellowship application with you, such as the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology or a DOE program.