Ben Ma

A PhD research assistant position is available in Dr. Ben Ma’s research group at the University of Nevada, Reno, starting Spring 2026. The group focuses on innovative technologies in water treatment and public space sanitization, using biological, chemical, and data-driven approaches to reduce human exposure to pathogens and chemical contaminants. The successful candidate will work on projects investigating the impact of total organic carbon (TOC) characteristics and control strategies on biofouling potential in water systems, including treatment facilities, distribution systems, and storage, through both lab-scale and field-scale studies. The position involves collaboration with industrial partners, public health officials, and scientists from various departments at UNR and other universities, and is affiliated with the Nevada Water Innovation Institute and Nevada Center for Water Resiliency. Applicants should have a master’s (preferred) or bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, bioengineering, microbiology, or related fields, with lab experience in microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Strong data analysis skills using R, MATLAB, or other statistical software, as well as good writing, communication, and collaboration skills, are required. To apply, email Dr. Ma with a statement of research interests, CV, and unofficial transcripts. The University of Nevada, Reno is a Carnegie R1 university with top-ranked environmental engineering programs and state-of-the-art research facilities.

Dr. Ben Ma’s research group in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is recruiting for two research opportunities: one PhD position starting Spring 2027 and one postdoc position available immediately. The group works on biofilm management in water systems , biofilm formation and mitigation , and molecular-level mechanisms of pathogen disinfection . The postdoc project also includes UV disinfection , chemical disinfectants , and possible collaboration on biofilm control in water systems and UV disinfection in indoor environments. Preferred PhD applicants should have a master’s degree (preferred) or bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering , chemical engineering , bioengineering , microbiology , or a related field, plus lab experience in microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Strong data analysis skills using R , MATLAB , or other statistical software are desired, along with good writing, communication, and collaboration skills. Postdoc applicants should hold a PhD in environmental engineering, microbiology, or a related field, have a strong publication record, strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, and relevant lab and data-analysis experience. The postdoc appointment is for 1 year with the possibility of renewal, and salary/title are commensurate with experience. Benefits are included, including a 19.25% employer-matched retirement contribution. Interested applicants should email [email protected] with the appropriate subject line: “PhD application_your name” or “Postdoc application_ your name” . For the PhD application, include a short statement of research interests, an updated CV, and unofficial transcripts in one PDF. For the postdoc, include a short statement of research interests and an updated CV in one PDF. Institutional context: UNR is an R1 university with strong water and environmental engineering research infrastructure, including the Nevada Water Innovation Institute, the Global Water Center, the Nevada Center for Water Resiliency, and advanced facilities such as BSL-2+ labs, ddPCR, HPLC, GC-MS/MS, GC-ECD, FTIR, genomics, bioinformatics, and HPC resources.