Michigan Technological University is seeking a Ph.D. student to contribute to an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of marine microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, and environmental and marine engineering. This project is part of a large interdisciplinary team aimed at developing a system for conversion of marine dissolved organic matter into electricity using microbial fuel cells. We are looking for a Ph.D. student who will conduct research involving the design, construction, testing, optimization and characterization of the ability of innovative microbial fuel cells to produce electricity from dissolved organic matter in marine environments at the bench, pilot, and/or full scales.
Candidates should hold a B.S. or M.S. degree in environmental engineering or a related discipline. Applicants should have a strong interest in environmental microbiology and bioelectrochemical systems. Students with experience in one or more of the following arenas are especially encouraged to apply: the performance of microbial community analyses and engineering and bioinformatics; the application of anaerobic microbiological techniques; the use of analytical instruments; the performance of molecular biology assays; and/or the design, fabrication, and operation of laboratory- or pilot-scale bioreactors. Excellent English communication and written skills are required.
Note that our research team is also seeking a post-doctoral scholar to work bioelectrochemical systems on the same project (see the posting on this site), in addition to Ph.D. students and post doctoral scholars in the areas of dissolved organic matter biogeochemistry (https://www.employment.mtu.edu/en-us/job/493732/postdoctoral-scholar-di…) and environmental microbiology (https://www.employment.mtu.edu/en-us/job/493728/postdoctoral-scholar-en…).
The student will be admitted to Michigan Tech's multi-disciplinary environmental engineering Ph.D. program (EPD2), ideally starting in January, 2025. The successful applicant will receive tuition support, a competitive stipend, and benefits. Interested students are encouraged to apply through the Michigan Tech Graduate School's online graduate admissions portal (https://www.mtu.edu/gradschool/programs/degrees/environmental-engineeri…).
For questions and further information on the bioelectrochemical Ph.D. position please contact Dr. Jennifer Becker (jgbecker@mtu.edu) and include the following information in your e-mail:
-Short summary of relevant experience and research interests in this position
-CV (including publications, presentations, and other academic activities, English language proficiency test scores, if applicable)
Michigan Technological University, one of the four major research universities in the State of Michigan, is located in Houghton, in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior. The community offers a safe, small-town environment with outstanding four-season recreational opportunities.