The Sun Lab is based at the Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia. We study how the biosphere responds to and influences climate, combining field measurements, remote sensing, and models to connect plant and ecosystem processes to changes in the Earth system.
We welcome inquiries from prospective graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduate research assistants, and collaborators interested in ecophysiology, ecosystem carbon cycling, biosphere–atmosphere interactions, and terrestrial biosphere modeling.
If you are interested in potential opportunities to work together, please fill out the interest form, or contact
Specific opportunities are listed below.
The Sun Lab at the University of Georgia’s Odum School of Ecology (OSE) is recruiting two PhD students to start in Fall 2027. Both positions are fully funded through a combination of research and teaching assistantships.
One position will focus on responses of plant and ecosystem function to climate trends and extremes, with an emphasis on ecophysiological mechanisms and field/lab measurements.
The second position will focus on biosphere–atmosphere interactions, particularly carbon cycling in climatically vulnerable biomes (e.g., the Arctic, tropical forests, and drylands), with the goal of improving how carbon cycle and related processes are represented in Earth system models.
We welcome applicants with strong interests in ecosystem ecology, plant ecophysiology, biogeochemistry, climate science, or related fields. We value intellectual curiosity, collegiality, motivation, and potential for growth. Strong quantitative and communication skills are expected. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., ecology, biology, chemistry, earth/environmental/atmospheric science, computer science, or data science) by Fall 2027. Prior research experience (e.g., lab/field work, data analysis, numerical modeling, scientific writing) or a master’s degree is preferred.
To apply, please fill out this Google Form to express your interest by November 15, 2026. Competitive applicants will be invited to apply to the graduate program at OSE by December 1, 2026. Selected applicants may be invited to an on-campus recruitment event in Athens, Georgia, USA, in late January 2027. Successful candidates are expected to begin in Fall (early August) 2027; deferment is not available.
If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Wu Sun (wusun {at} uga.edu). Please include “OSE PhD position” in the subject line.