PhD Positions in Environmental Engineering
University of South Alabama, Department of Civil, Coastal, and Environmental Engineering
Start date: Spring or Fall 2026
Openings: 2 fully funded PhD positions
Research area
EPA funded research on nutrient recovery from stormwater runoff. Our group develops hybrid solutions that combine chemical adsorption and biotechnology. Example platforms include iron oxides and MOFs, as well as enzyme and protein based systems for selective capture and recovery.
About the PI
Dr. Kaushik Venkiteshwaran leads an interdisciplinary group that integrates materials chemistry, environmental biotechnology, and data driven modeling to translate bench scale results to pilot and field settings. Trainees receive hands on experience with LC-MS, ion chromatography (IC), adsorption testing and modeling, MATLAB or Python analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8Ct7j4MAAAAJ&hl=en
About the University of South Alabama and Mobile
The University of South Alabama is a student centered, research active public university on the Gulf Coast. The campus is in Mobile, Alabama, a historic port city with a low cost of living, vibrant food and arts culture, and year round outdoor recreation. Gulf Coast beaches, estuaries, and wetlands are within easy driving distance, creating unique opportunities for water research, fieldwork, and community partnerships.
Minimum qualifications
- BS and MS in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, or closely related field
- Demonstrated ability in at least one area: chemical adsorption and materials synthesis (iron oxides, MOFs), enzyme or protein engineering, cloning and expression, or environmental bioprocesses
- Quantitative skills and evidence of research potential
Preferred qualifications
- Publication and strong scientific writing history
- Experience in nutrient recovery or stormwater treatment
- Skills in MATLAB or Python, LC-MS, IC, surface and materials characterization, or pilot scale testing
Responsibilities
- Design and synthesize adsorbents and biologically active materials
- Plan and execute bench to pilot experiments for nutrient capture and recovery
- Analyze data in MATLAB or Python and operate LC-MS and IC
- Write manuscripts, present at conferences, and contribute to team mentoring and outreach
Funding
Fully funded with competitive stipend, full tuition, and benefits.
Application instructions (email submission)
Email a single PDF to kvenkiteshwaran@southalabama.edu with subject line Application: PhD 2026 - Nutrient Recovery. Include:
- CV
- One page cover letter that emphasizes your research statement and fit
- Unofficial transcripts
- GRE scores per University policy
- English proficiency scores for international applicants (TOEFL via ETS or IELTS, per University policy)
- Contact information for 2 to 3 references
- Optional writing sample preferred
Review timeline
Review of applications is rolling until filled. Start terms: Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages applications from all qualified individuals and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, protected veteran status, or any other protected category consistent with applicable law.
Contact
Questions are welcome at kvenkiteshwaran@southalabama.edu