PhD Positions in Environmental Chemistry: The Gao Lab at Baylor University seeks two highly motivated Ph.D. students to start in Fall 2026. This opportunity focuses on innovative research in designing nanomaterials for agricultural applications and employing machine learning to analyze contaminants in soil and water systems.
PhD Positions in Environmental Chemistry (Environmental Nanotechnology)
Designation
Ph.D. Graduate Student
Research Area
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Nanotechnology
Location
Baylor University, Department of Environmental Science, Waco, Texas, USA
Eligibility/Qualification
- Background in Environmental Chemistry & Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science & Engineering, Chemical & Biological Engineering, or related fields.
- Preferred: Master’s degree, though exceptional bachelor’s degree holders will be considered.
- GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for core courses.
- Proficiency in English; international students must meet TOEFL (80+) or IELTS (6.5+) requirements.
- Excellent scientific writing and communication skills, evaluated during a Zoom interview.
Job Description
The selected candidates will engage in:
- Designing nanomaterials to deliver nutrients to agricultural crops, involving the synthesis and mechanistic study of nanomaterials in plants.
- Developing machine learning-based methods to analyze the fate and risks of emerging contaminants in agricultural soil and water systems.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents in a single PDF file to Dr. Xiaoyu Gao at xiaoyu_gao@baylor.edu with the subject line: “PhD application-your name.”
- Curriculum vitae
- Transcripts
- Cover letter (1-2 pages) highlighting anticipated start date, education, research experience, interests, and career goals.
- Contact information for two references.
Last Date to Apply
Applications will be reviewed starting December 1, 2025, and will continue until both positions are filled. Please ensure that all application materials are submitted in the specified format. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for a Zoom interview.
