GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY
Position: Doctoral Graduate Research Assistant (PhD)
Entity: Pennsylvania State University – Environmental Soil Physics Lab
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Salary: Starting at $2,551.50 per month (≥20 hours/week)
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Description:
“The Environmental Soil Physics Lab, led by Dr. Yingxue Yu, is recruiting a PhD student to begin Fall 2026. Research focuses on how physicochemical interactions and environmental factors control contaminant behavior across terrestrial and aquatic systems. Students may enroll through the Soil Science Graduate Program or the Inter-college Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. Research approaches include laboratory, field, and modeling work using tools such as HYDRUS and R.
Research Areas Include:
– Transport of emerging contaminants (micro/nanoplastics, PFAS, pathogens)
– Contaminant aggregation, stability, and transformation
– Adsorption and interfacial processes (e.g., QCM-D)
– Soil hydraulic properties, water flow, and soil health indicators
– Plant–contaminant interactions
– Environmental sustainability and degradation of biodegradable plastics
Requirements:
– Master’s degree in Hydrology, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Soil Science, or related field
– Strong interest in environmental contaminant research
– Exceptional Bachelor’s degree holders may be considered for a MS-to-PhD pathway
– Must meet Penn State Graduate School requirements (GPA, English proficiency, etc.)
How to Apply: Email Dr. Yingxue Yu at 
yqy5525@psu.edu with one PDF containing: Cover letter (≤3 pages), CV, Up to 3 publications (if available), Unofficial transcripts, Contact information for 3 references, & TOEFL/IELTS and GRE scores (if available)
For more information: https://mooncake520.github.io/PhD-Student-Position-in…/.”