The Environmental Soil Physics Lab, led by Dr. Yingxue Yu, is recruiting a PhD student to join the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at The Pennsylvania State University, starting Fall 2026. Dr. Yu will be joining Penn State as an Assistant Professor in January 2026. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Soil Science Graduate Program or the Inter-college Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, depending on research interests and professional goals.

The lab investigates how physicochemical interactions and environmental factors shape contaminant behavior in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Research areas include the transport of emerging contaminants (such as micro- and nanoplastics, PFAS, engineered nanomaterials, and pathogens) in saturated and unsaturated porous media, aggregation and transformation of contaminants in soil and water, quantification of adsorption and interfacial interactions, characterization of soil hydraulic properties and water flow, plant-contaminant interactions, and the environmental sustainability and degradation of biodegradable plastics.

Students can pursue research using laboratory, field, and modeling approaches, including computational tools like HYDRUS and R. The lab offers a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages creative, rigorous, and independent research into environmental contaminant behavior. Motivated students interested in soil-water-plant interactions, contaminant transport, and environmental sustainability are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility requires a master's degree in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Soil Science, or a closely related field. Priority is given to applicants with strong engineering backgrounds, mathematics and physics training, first-author publications, and experience in computational modeling or field-based research. Exceptional bachelor's degree holders may be considered for a combined master's/PhD pathway. English proficiency and minimum GPA requirements follow Penn State Graduate School standards.

To apply, email Dr. Yu ([email protected]) a single PDF with a cover letter, CV, up to three publications, academic transcripts, names and contact information of three references, and English test scores if available. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with full consideration for those submitted by January 3, 2026.

Penn State's University Park campus offers a vibrant college-town atmosphere, modern housing, abundant study spaces, and extensive recreation and wellness facilities. Students benefit from a supportive academic community and opportunities for hands-on research and professional development.