Position Description
The Environmental Engineering Research Group led by Dr. Jiale Xu at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is seeking two motivated Ph.D. students to join our research team. Applications from highly qualified M.S. students are also welcome. Our research focuses on developing innovative technologies for water treatment, understanding the environmental fate of emerging contaminants, and advancing sustainable resource recovery. The selected students will have opportunities to conduct experimental and computational research in one or more of the following areas:
- UV-Based Advanced Water Treatment and Photochemistry
Investigating fundamental photochemical processes and developing UV-based technologies, including far-UVC (222 nm) irradiation and UV-driven advanced oxidation processes, for the degradation of emerging contaminants and water disinfection. Research topics include photochemical reaction mechanisms, reactive species generation, quantum chemistry modeling, and process optimization. - Rare Earth Element Recovery and Sustainable Separation Technologies
Developing novel functionalized nanomaterials and adsorption-based technologies for selective recovery of rare earth elements from complex aqueous matrices. Research activities include material synthesis and characterization, adsorption and separation mechanisms, competitive ion interactions, and molecular-level investigations of metal–material interactions. - PFAS Fate and Transport in Aquatic Environments
Investigating the occurrence, environmental behavior, and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in natural and engineered water systems. Research topics include PFAS partitioning, environmental release and transport, and water chemistry on PFAS mobility.
Qualifications
Applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong motivation for scientific research, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and effective written and oral communication abilities. Prior experience in water treatment, environmental chemistry, photochemistry, material synthesis, analytical instrumentation, or computational modeling is desirable but not required.
Research and Professional Development Opportunities
Selected students will receive research training in advanced experimental and analytical techniques, have opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals, present research at national conferences, and collaborate with researchers across multiple disciplines. Research assistantship funding will be available for the two Ph.D. positions.
Application Process
Interested applicants should email Dr. Jiale Xu at jiale.xu@ndsu.edu with the subject line "Prospective Graduate Student – Ph.D. – [Research Area]" and include: a curriculum vitae (CV), a brief statement describing research interests and relevant experience, unofficial academic transcripts, and English scores for international students.