A fully supported PhD research position is available in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at South Dakota Mines, with an anticipated start date of Spring/Summer/Fall 2027. The primary research focus is sustainable water treatment, with particular emphasis on PFAS and emerging contaminant treatment, PFAS destructive technologies, and decision-support tools for evaluating emerging water treatment technologies.
The research will combine laboratory experiments, data analysis, and sustainability assessment. Depending on the project, the PhD student may conduct batch adsorption experiments, Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests (RSSCTs), bench-scale and flow-through treatment experiments, and other laboratory studies needed to evaluate treatment performance. Research may include investigating PFAS removal, destruction, defluorination, treatment mechanisms, and operating conditions.
The student will also develop and apply life-cycle assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis (TEA), multi-criteria decision analysis, sensitivity/uncertainty analysis, and data-driven decision-support frameworks to compare conventional and emerging treatment technologies based on treatment performance, cost, energy use, environmental impacts, and other sustainability criteria.
There may also be opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers in mining and materials-related programs at South Dakota Mines on LCA/TEA of critical minerals and materials recovery/extraction. However, the primary focus of the position is water treatment and environmental engineering.
Applicants with backgrounds in civil/environmental engineering, chemical engineering, environmental science, water treatment, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Experience or interest in PFAS, adsorption, electrochemical treatment, LCA/TEA, experimental research, data analysis, or decision-support methods is desirable.
Before applying, please contact Dr. Achyuth Ravilla at Achyuth.Ravilla@sdsmt.edu. Please Combine the following materials into one single PDF and attach it to your email:
- Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Unofficial transcripts showing GPA and courses taken
- Statement of Research Interest describing your academic background, research interests, relevant experience, and why you are interested in this PhD position
- English language proficiency scores for international applicants (TOEFL: minimum 79; IELTS: minimum 6.0), if applicable
- Names and contact information of three academic references