PhD Positions in Environmental Engineering, Membrane Science, and Materials Science at Texas Tech University

Dr. Yuexiao Shen at Texas Tech University is recruiting two PhD students for Spring or Fall 2026 to join his research group in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering. The group focuses on cutting-edge research in environmental sustainability, particularly in trace contaminant removal (such as PFAS), metal ion recovery, and the design and synthesis of advanced sorbents and membranes. The overarching goal is to advance selective separation technologies to address critical environmental and energy challenges. The projects are fully funded by premier federal agencies including the NSF and EPA, offering students the opportunity to work at the interface of chemical and environmental engineering, collaborate across disciplines, present at international conferences, and publish in high-impact journals. Ideal candidates should have strong backgrounds in environmental or chemical engineering, membrane technology, polymer synthesis, or water and wastewater treatment. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Shen directly via email, attaching their CV and academic transcript. Dr. Shen is an Assistant Professor at TTU, with a distinguished academic background and a prolific publication record in top journals. His group provides a dynamic and inclusive research environment, and students will be part of a collaborative effort to push the frontiers of sustainable separation science. For more information, visit the group website.