The Wu Research Group in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Lehigh University is seeking highly motivated students to develop next-generation membrane materials and separation technologies for sustainable water treatment, resource recovery, and advanced chemical separations. Positions are available for Spring and Fall 2027.
This is a fully funded Ph.D. position, with financial support and graduate student benefits provided by Lehigh University; details are available at: Lehigh Graduate Tuition Benefit
Research Opportunities
Our group develops innovative membrane platforms to address critical challenges at the water–energy–materials nexus, including:
🔹 Sustainable desalination and water reuse
🔹 Critical mineral and material separation
🔹 Contaminant removal (PFAS, microplastics, etc.)
🔹 AI-enabled membrane design and validation
Ideal Candidates
Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to:
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Chemistry and related disciplines
About Lehigh University
Lehigh University is a nationally recognized R1 research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in the heart of the Philadelphia–New York City corridor. Founded in 1865, Lehigh has a long tradition of excellence in engineering and scientific research. The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering is one of the university's oldest and most distinguished engineering departments, with a strong legacy of innovation in water, environmental, structural, geotechnical, and infrastructure engineering. Graduate students benefit from a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, world-class research facilities, and extensive opportunities to work with leading faculty across engineering and the sciences. The Lehigh Valley offers an exceptional quality of life, combining an affordable and vibrant community with easy access to New York City and Philadelphia, while being surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, the Lehigh River, state parks, and abundant outdoor recreation.
About the PI
Dr. Jishan Wu is Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Lehigh University. Prior to joining Lehigh, he was a postdoctoral fellow at Rice University working with Prof. Menachem Elimelech and earned his Ph.D. from UCLA under Prof. Eric M.V. Hoek. Dr. Wu has authored 40 peer-reviewed publications, including about half as a leading author, in journals such as Science Advances, Nature Communications, Environmental Science & Technology, Nature Water, Journal of Membrane Science, and Desalination. His work has been recognized with awards and fellowships from Elsevier, NAMS, NWRI–SCSC, and AMTA/USBR. Beyond research, Dr. Wu serves on the Early Career Editorial Board of Desalination and the Editorial Board of npj Clean Water.
How to Apply
Please send the following as a combined PDF file to 📧 jishan.wu@lehigh.edu
- CV/Resume
- A one-page cover letter describing research background and interests
- Academic transcript(s) (unofficial copies are acceptable)
- List of publications and/or awards (if applicable)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Wu early to discuss research interests and potential opportunities.