PhD Assistantship in Environmental Soil Physics at Penn State University, USA

Summary

The Environmental Soil Physics Lab at The Pennsylvania State University, led by Dr. Yingxue Yu, is recruiting a highly motivated PhD student to join their team. This assistantship offers an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in environmental soil physics, focusing on contaminant behavior in terrestrial and aquatic environments. The successful candidate will be admitted through either the Soil Science Graduate Program or the Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, with the option to pursue a dual-title PhD in Biogeochemistry.

Designation

PhD Student / Research Assistant

Key Details

Research Areas

The lab investigates how physicochemical interactions and environmental factors influence contaminant behavior. Research topics include:

• Transport of emerging contaminants (e.g., micro- and nanoplastics, PFAS, engineered nanomaterials, pathogens) in porous media.
• Aggregation, stability, and transformation of contaminants in soil and water systems.
• Quantification of adsorption and interfacial interactions using QCM-D and related surface techniques.
• Characterization of soil hydraulic properties, water flow processes, and indicators of soil health.
• Uptake and interactions of contaminants with plants.
• Evaluation of environmental sustainability and degradation behavior of biodegradable plastics.

Students will utilize laboratory, field, and modeling approaches, including computational tools like C++, R, and Python.

Location

University Park, PA 16802, USA. The Penn State University Park campus offers a vibrant college-town environment with extensive resources, a walkable community, and access to outdoor activities. It is ranked 82nd globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.

Eligibility & Qualification

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Hydrology, Soil Science, Water Resources, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.

Priority will be given to applicants with:

• Strong commitment to research integrity and responsible research practices.
• Genuine interest in scientific research and learning.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Training in mathematics and physics, with an interest in applying and further developing these skills in research.
• Experience and/or interest in programming and computational modeling (e.g., C++, R, or Python).

Additional Notes:

• GRE scores are not required, but high scores are considered a desirable qualification.
• Exceptional applicants with a bachelor’s degree may be considered for a 2-year master’s program followed by a 3-year PhD program.
• For details on English proficiency, minimum GPA, and other requirements, please refer to the Penn State Graduate School.

Scholarship Description

This is a PhD Assistantship, which typically includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance in exchange for research and/or teaching responsibilities. The lab fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging creative, rigorous, and independent inquiry into environmental contaminant behavior. Motivated students passionate about learning, scientific research, and professional growth are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

1. Request a Meeting (Optional but Recommended)

Prospective students are encouraged to request a meeting with Dr. Yu before applying to discuss research interests and learn more about the position. To request a meeting, complete the brief meeting request form linked on the original webpage. You will need to explain why a meeting would be helpful, provide specific questions, and upload your current CV.

2. Submit Application

Interested applicants should complete the online application form linked on the original webpage. The application package must be submitted as a single PDF file and include:

• Cover letter: Describing qualifications, research interests, research experience, and career goals, aligning them with the mentioned research areas (max. 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Academic transcripts: Bachelor’s and Master’s (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review).
• References: Names and contact information of three references.
• Publication: One representative publication, if available.
• Test reports: GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS test reports, if available.

Materials submitted by email or incomplete applications may not be reviewed. Include any questions about the position in the application form when possible. For other inquiries, contact Dr. Yingxue Yu at yqy5525@psu.edu.

Last Date for Apply

The position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis beginning immediately.

Apply Link

Please refer to the original source page for the direct application link and meeting request form: https://yingxueyu-pennstate.github.io/PhD-Student-Position-in-Environmental-Soil-Physics/