The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at University of Nevada (Reno) is seeking 1 or 2 graduate students (Ph.D. preferred) to work with Dr. Yu (Frank) Yang (yuy@unr.edu). The project is using high resolution mass spectrometry and non-target analysis to identify possible pollutants occurring at formerly used defense sites in the Arctic. The graduate student researcher will work with a large interdisciplinary team and analyze datasets for non-target searching and identification. The results will be distributed through workshop in Alaska and publication in peer-reviewed journals. The candidate(s) may also participate in the field trip and workshop on Unalaska island in 2026 summer. A few news report about project is available in case it helps (University researchers teaming with DOE to study environmental data in Alaska | University of Nevada, Reno Former Alaskan defense sites | University of Nevada, Reno).
Required Qualifications
- B.S and/or M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Health and/or related area
- Background and interests in chemistry, environmental chemical analysis, field work, and data analysis
- Graduate School Requirement
- Graduate International Student Admissions | The Graduate School | University of Nevada, Reno
- Department Requirement Graduate Degrees | Civil & Environmental Engineering | University of Nevada, Reno
Department and UNR Information
Substantial growth in both student enrollment and tenure-track faculty positions has led the College of Engineering to unprecedented success and new levels of performance that contributed significantly to the University’s elevation to Carnegie R1 status. For the past two years, all of our ranking-eligible graduate programs have been ranked by the U.S. News & World Report, and in the most recent calendar year, new research funding surpassed $25 million. Last fall, the new 100,000-square-foot William N. Pennington Engineering Building opened. With its 150 graduate workstations, 40 laboratories and ISO Class 5 (Class 100) cleanroom, it enables our students and faculty to continue to build on the College’s robust tradition of excellence in pursuit of high-impact research that improves lives in our state, across our nation and around the world. https://www.unr.edu/engineering. Environmental Engineering program at UNR is ranked 66 nationally by US News and World Report. For further information about the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, please go to: http://www.unr.edu/cee/
For ongoing and previous research in Yang lab, additional information can be found:
- http://www.unr.edu/cee/people/yang
- https://www.yanglab.space/
- https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=5uC8YkEAAAAJ&hl=en
Attach the following documents to your application.
For additional information, please reach out to Dr. Yang (yuy@unr.edu) with attachment:
- Resume/CV 2)
- Contact Information for Three Professional References
- Brief statement of background and interests
This posting is open until filled.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. The idea candidate can start Fall 2025.
About UNR Campus and life
Situated in Reno just a short drive from Lake Tahoe, the campus offers an exceptional quality of life with world-class outdoor recreation – from skiing and hiking to boating on Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters. The Reno-Tahoe region is also a growing tech hub, and major employers like Tesla’s Gigafactory in the nearby Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center provide students with outstanding internship and professional development opportunities. This unique blend of academic excellence, natural beauty, and industry connections makes UNR an ideal destination for aspiring environmental engineers.