Funded PhD Position in Biological Engineering (Microbial Electrochemical Technology) at Utah State University

The Microbial Electrochemical Technology Laboratory (MET Lab) at Utah State University, led by Dr. Luguang Wang, is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the Department of Biological Engineering in Spring or Fall 2026. The successful candidate will conduct research on microbial electrochemical systems for converting negative-cost waste into value-added products, such as bioenergy and microbial protein. This research area integrates biological engineering, environmental biotechnology, and chemical engineering, with a focus on sustainable solutions and biosystem modeling using machine learning. The MET Lab is recognized for its work in microbial electrochemical technologies, bioenergy, bioproducts, and biosystem modeling. Dr. Wang, the principal investigator, is an Assistant Professor at Utah State University, with prior experience at Johns Hopkins University and Oregon State University. His research has been published in leading journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal, ACS Catalysis, and Water Research. Utah State University is a premier land-grant and space-grant institution, known for its strengths in engineering and research. The Department of Biological Engineering offers a dynamic environment with research in biofuels, bionanomaterials, tissue engineering, metabolic engineering, gene vectors, and waste-to-bioproducts. Graduate students benefit from a collaborative academic setting and strong career prospects in industry, government, and academia. The PhD position is fully funded, covering a research stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Applicants should have a background in biological engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related field. Strong communication skills, teamwork, and prior research experience in environmental biotechnology or microbial electrochemical systems are highly desirable. The application deadline is August 1, 2026, for Spring 2026 entry (preferred) or Fall 2026. To apply, candidates should email Dr. Luguang Wang with a single PDF file containing a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and contact information for three references. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in advancing research in sustainable bioengineering and microbial technologies at a leading US institution.