In recent years, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved remarkable results in various global university rankings. PolyU was ranked 57th in the recent 2025 QS World University Rankings. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at PolyU, where this PhD candidate will be located, is also renowned globally for its excellent research and high-quality education. The department was ranked 2nd in the field of Civil Engineering in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report's Best Global Universities Rankings, and 15th globally in the Civil and Structural Engineering discipline in the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject, ranking first in Hong Kong. Over the years, the department has established close collaborations with local construction and environmental industries, as well as overseas institutions.
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at PolyU offers a new opportunity for a fully funded PhD student position starting in late 2024/early 2025. The student will work with Assistant Professor Tao Liu on projects relevant to the development of wastewater/sludge treatment technologies, greenhouse gas reduction, conversion of methane/syngas to liquid chemicals/bioproteins, and the study of novel microorganisms in the nitrogen and carbon cycles.
Candidates with a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree with an educational background and research experience in environmental engineering, environmental science, chemistry, environmental microbiology, or other closely related fields are encouraged to apply. Students with laboratory experience in wastewater treatment, qPCR/RT-qPCR, metagenomic sequencing, and bioinformatics are highly encouraged.
Self-motivated candidates with strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are expected. Applicants should send their CV (including educational background, GPA, publications, etc.), transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS score (for international students), and a research proposal (optional) to Assistant Prof. Tao Liu at tao1liu@polyu.edu.hk. The review process will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an online interview.
The candidate will be provided with a full scholarship of 18,000-19,000 HKD per month; exceptionally outstanding students will be support to apply for the Hong Kong Government Scholarship or the President's Scholarship of 27,000-28,000 HKD per month.
More information about the supervisor can be found here: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/cee/people/academic-staff/dr-tao-liu/.