Three funded Ph.D. positions are available in the Departments of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Chemical Engineering at the University of Toledo, starting in Spring 2024 Summer 2025 or Fall 2025. The selected candidates will work directly with Drs. Young Seo and Dae-Wook Kang on research projects funded by US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) of US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). They will also collaborate closely with other investigators and external research partners, including US EPA, USGS, and USACE. Students will receive full support, including tuition, a stipend, fees, and health insurance coverage.
The graduate students will primarily conduct laboratory and field experiments focused on harmful algal bloom control and understanding microbial dynamics in natural and engineered water systems. This research will include water quality modeling, multi-omics analyses, and bioinformatics to investigate harmful algal bloom control and microbial community interactions, particularly those involving cyanobacterial species in inland source waters. The students will gain expertise in monitoring, optimizing, and understanding microbial communities and their metabolic interactions in various environmental and engineered water systems. One student will also have an opportunity to focus specifically water quality modeling.
Required qualifications:
- Candidates must meet all admission requirements (TOEFL and GRE) of the University of Toledo and College of Engineering
- Successful applicants will have an MS (preferred) or a BS in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, microbiology, civil engineering, environmental science, or a related field.
- Previous research experience with water quality and watershed modeling (e.g., EFDC and SWAT) and machine learning is preferred.
- Previous research experience with environmental microbiology, molecular biology techniques (e.g., quantitative PCR and DNA/RNA sequencing technologies), and data analysis using statistical and bioinformatics tools are desired.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member.
- Excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
- A valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one.
Applicants should send (1) a cover letter, (2) a Curriculum Vitae, (3) transcripts, (4) a brief statement of research experience and interests, (5) contact information of 2-3 references, and (6) other supporting documents (e.g., publication) in a single PDF file to Prof. Young Seo (Youngwoo.seo@utoledo.edu) and Dae-Wook Kang (Daewook.Kang@UToledo.Edu)