Dear Colleagues and Prospective Students,
The Blair lab at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) is seeking highly motivated Ph.D. applicants for Fall 2025. Dr. Blair is recruiting qualified graduate students to join his lab in the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering department with a focus on research at the intersection of applied environmental microbiology and environmental engineered systems. Ideally this will include work rooted in the development and application of advanced molecular techniques to explore and optimize underlying microbial dynamics present in engineered systems. More specifically, the Blair lab’s research focus is centered on the study of microbial ecology, functional genomics, and microbial contaminants such as pathogens and/or antibiotic resistance within environments related to the one water concept (e.g. drinking water and wastewater treatment, water reuse, water quality, biological filtration, and the protection of environmental source waters).
Preferred candidates will have a B.S. or M.S. in environmental engineering or related field. The ideal candidate should also possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills with an inquisitive mind interested in research. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. Prior lab/research experience, bioinformatic experience and/or microbiology experience is strongly encouraged, but not required for candidates with other exceptional attributes as demonstrated by their CV, personal statement, and/or transcripts. Due to potential funding opportunities domestic students are highly advised to apply. The Blair lab is also interested in maintaining a diverse and inclusive laboratory environment that reinforces good scientific practices, therefore students from under-represented groups are also recommended to apply.
Interested candidates are encouraged to email Dr. Blair at matthew.blair@ua.edu (please cc matthew.blair@eawag.ch for increased visibility) before applying the to graduate school at University of Alabama. Please include your CV and a relevant 1-page personal statement outlining your background, research interests and long-term goals. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!
Please forward to interested students and colleagues.
Warmest regards,
Matthew Blair
Assistant Professor (Rising, Fall 2025)
Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
University of Alabama