Louisiana State University PhD Scholarship 2027 in USA
This funded Louisiana State University PhD Scholarship 2027 in USA is open now, with a final deadline of September 30, 2026, and a start date after January 1, 2027. The Wetland and Aquatic Biogeochemistry Lab at LSU’s Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences is seeking one motivated PhD student to lead a field-based research project on phosphorus dynamics and harmful algal blooms in the Lake Pontchartrain Estuary and its tributaries in southeastern Louisiana.
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Unlike competitive scholarship programmes where dozens of candidates are ranked and filtered, this is a directly funded research position — if your qualifications match what Dr. John White’s lab needs, your application goes straight to review. The package includes a $31,000 annual stipend with 75% of health insurance premiums covered. You need a completed or near-complete Master’s degree in environmental science, biogeochemistry, oceanography, ecology, or a related field, and comfort with field-based aquatic and estuarine work.
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LSU PhD Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | PhD Assistantship — Wetland and Aquatic Biogeochemistry Lab |
| Host Country ⇒ | United States of America (USA) |
| Study Level ⇒ | Postgraduate | PhD |
| Benefits ⇒ | Starting at $31,000 per year, 75% of premiums covered |
| Funded By ⇒ | Louisiana State University |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | September 30, 2026 |
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What the Louisiana State University PhD Scholarship Covers
This is a fully funded PhD assistantship, meaning your research is the work you perform in exchange for the financial support:
- Annual stipend of $31,000, paid throughout your PhD programme
- 75% of health insurance premiums covered by the lab/department
- Tuition coverage is typical for funded PhD assistantships at US R1 universities — confirm the exact tuition benefit with Dr. White when you make contact, as the position description does not specify this explicitly
The research itself is an active, externally relevant project investigating how land-use change, internal sediment loading, and seasonal hydrology drive phosphorus availability and water-quality impairment in the Lake Pontchartrain Estuary and its tributaries. Specific research activities include:
- River transect sampling across the Lake Pontchartrain system
- High-resolution water-quality monitoring
- Intact sediment core incubation studies
- Phosphorus fractionation analysis
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The work integrates aquatic biogeochemistry, nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, and environmental management, with direct connection to real-world watershed and harmful algal bloom mitigation outcomes. The position also involves working closely with state and federal agency collaborators, which gives the student applied professional exposure beyond the university research environment.
Required Application Materials for the Scholarship
Send the following to Dr. John White
- A current CV or résumé
- A brief statement of research interests explaining your background and your interest in the specific project
- Contact information for three references
Do not send a partial application. Any contact outside the email address [email protected] will not be considered — this includes reaching out through LSU’s main department page, LinkedIn, ResearchGate, or any other channel.
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Eligibility Criteria for the Louisiana State University Scholarship
Required:
- A completed, or near-complete, Master’s degree in environmental science, biogeochemistry, oceanography, ecology, or a closely related field
- Comfort working in aquatic and estuarine field environments
- Interest or direct experience in nutrient analysis, sediment chemistry, or water-quality monitoring
- Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Preferred but not required:
- A previous publication record
- Experience in analytical chemistry techniques
There is no stated citizenship restriction. International students with the relevant academic and fieldwork background are eligible to apply, but should confirm visa and work authorisation requirements with LSU’s Graduate School before submitting.
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Application Steps for the Louisiana State University PhD Scholarship 2027
- Prepare your CV, research interest statement, and three reference contacts before reaching out
- Write a focused, specific statement of research interests that speaks directly to this project — phosphorus dynamics, harmful algal blooms, estuarine biogeochemistry, and field-based water quality work in coastal Louisiana. Generic statements are unlikely to be competitive
- Email your complete application to Dr. John White at [email protected] — this is the only accepted channel
- Submit before September 30, 2026. There is no rolling guarantee deadline stated, so earlier submission is advisable — PhD supervisors typically begin reviewing applications as they arrive, not only after the final deadline
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Application Deadline
The final deadline is September 30, 2026, with a start date after January 1, 2027. The Spring 2027 semester at LSU typically begins in mid-January, so build your timeline backward from that start date when deciding how early to apply. Earlier contact gives Dr. White more time to assess your fit before making a selection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a scholarship or a paid research position?
It is a funded PhD assistantship — a paid research position that also enrols you in LSU’s doctoral programme. You receive a $31,000 annual stipend and 75% health insurance coverage in exchange for leading the research described in the position.
Do I need a Master’s degree to apply?
Yes. The position specifically requires a completed or near-complete MS in environmental science, biogeochemistry, oceanography, ecology, or a related field. Candidates with only a Bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
Can international students apply?
The position description does not state a citizenship requirement. International applicants are eligible, but should confirm US visa and student work authorisation requirements with LSU’s Graduate School before applying.
How many students will be selected?
One PhD student is being recruited for this specific project.
Is fieldwork a large part of this role?
Yes. The position is explicitly described as field-based research in aquatic and estuarine environments, including river transect sampling and sediment core incubation work. Physical capability and comfort in demanding field conditions is a stated requirement.
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Who do I contact with questions?
Email Dr. John White at [email protected]. Any contact outside this email address will not be considered.
Disclaimer: All position details, deadlines, salary, and eligibility criteria in this post were taken from the official position listing published on June 24, 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly with Dr. John White at Louisiana State University before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with Louisiana State University or the Wetland and Aquatic Biogeochemistry Lab.
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