Dr. Xu Zhang is recruiting motivated Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers to join her research group at Texas A&M University starting in Fall 2026.
Zhang Lab is at the forefront of engineering microbes as living platforms that integrate biology with electronics, advancing bioelectronic devices and functional biomaterials through synthetic biology, electrochemical analytics, and device engineering.
About the PI: Dr. Zhang recently joined the Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology at Texas A&M University. She earned her Ph.D. at Ghent University with Prof. Korneel Rabaey, where she investigated microbial extracellular electron-transfer processes using electrochemical tools and applied them to sustainable energy systems. She then did her postdoctoral training with Prof. Caroline Ajo-Franklin at Rice University, leading efforts to develop bioelectronic sensors for rapid, multiplex environmental detection.
Dr. Zhang's research has been published in leading journals, including Nature, Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and Device, etc.
We Offer:
- Full financial support, including tuition, stipend, and benefits.
- Opportunities to collaborate with top universities and industries.
- A vibrant research environment at Texas A&M and the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding quality of life in Texas.
We Look for Candidates Who:
- Hold a B.S./M.S. (for graduate admission) or a Ph.D. (for postdoctoral positions) in microbiology, bioengineering, chemical or environmental engineering, or related fields
- Have interest or research experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Microbial engineering (environmental microbiology & synthetic biology)
- Bioelectrochemistry & biochemical characterization
- Environmental biotechnology (wastewater treatment & resource recovery)
- Have strong foundations in wet-lab experimentation and/or genetic engineering.
- Meet Texas A&M University Graduate School admissions requirements, including GPA and English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).
Application Process: Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Zhang (xuzhang0303@tamu.edu) with:
- A detailed CV, including academic achievements, research experience, and publications (if any).
- Contact information for 2–3 references.
For more information about our graduate programs, please visit: https://plantpathology.tamu.edu/graduate-admissions
Fall 2026 application deadline: December 15, 2025.
Please include **[APPLICATION]** at the beginning of your email subject line. We look forward to hearing from you!