Position Description
MS and PhD Positions are available in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech (VT), which ranks #47 in the U.S. These positions will be funded by wastewater treatment-focused research projects led by Dr. Zhiwu (Drew) Wang. His research group information can be found at https://www.wang.bse.vt.edu/
Research topics:
Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) monitoring and removal during municipal wastewater treatment. PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment and cannot be naturally degraded. The graduate students hired on this position will develop and test proprietary technologies that can be used to remove PFAS in the course of municipal wastewater treatment. More research topics seeking candidates are listed at
https://www.wang.bse.vt.edu/positions/
Requirements:
1) MS or PhD applicants must have (or must earn prior to the application deadline) a Bachelor or MS degree in chemical engineering, biological systems engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related field. Postdoc applicants must have a PhD degree awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of this appointment with a minimum of one year of eligibility remaining.
2) Demonstrated excellent scientific writing and communication skills (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, competitions, etc.).
3) For international students, TOEFL score is required. For admission, we expect a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (IBT) or IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. GRE may be waived.
To apply:
Please email Dr. Zhiwu (Drew) Wang at wzw@vt.edu. A full application as a single PDF document package must include (1) A statement of research addressing how your background fit in the position description and candidate qualification described above (1-page limit), (2) an update CV with a full list of publications (if any), (3) all official transcripts, (4) TOEFL or IELTS score(s) (for international candidates), and (5) contact information of three references. Please include “2024 PFAS” + “Your Name” as your email subject.
Salary:
The starting stipend levels for MS and PhD candidates are approximately $2,680 and $2,810 per month, respectively. This is in addition to the coverage of other benefits such as tuition, medical insurance, etc.