Kung-Hui Chu

Texas A&M University’s Chu Biotechnology Lab is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in environmental biotechnology . The position is based in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and focuses on applied and environmental microbiology , with a strong emphasis on the fate, transport, removal, and biodegradation of PFAS in impacted matrices such as soil, biosolids, water, and plants . The lab’s broader research spans microbial-mediated processes in natural and engineered systems, including biodegradation of environmental pollutants , bioenergy and bioproducts, microorganism detection/tracking, and related environmental biotechnology applications. The postdoc may also contribute to other ongoing projects in the lab. Required background: a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, Chemical or Environmental Engineering, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, or a related field; hands-on experience in molecular cloning, synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and microbial strain engineering (e.g., CRISPR); experience with metabolic engineering, metabolic modeling, and/or omics bioinformatics; programming skills in Python, R, MATLAB, or similar; and strong scientific writing, communication, and teamwork skills. Preferred: machine learning for biological data analysis and laboratory experience with microbial cultivation and molecular biology methods. Funding and appointment: the initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal based on research progress and satisfactory performance. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Application process: submit a single PDF with a 1-page cover letter, CV, two sample peer-reviewed publications, and three references. Email the materials to kchu@civil.tamu.edu with the specified subject line. Applications received before 2026-08-15 will receive full consideration, and review continues until the position is filled. Lab/institution: Chu Biotechnology Lab, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States.

Texas A&M University’s Chu Biotechnology Lab is inviting applications for two PhD positions in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The research focuses on biodegradation , fate , and treatment of persistent organic pollutants and emerging contaminants, with emphasis on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), bioremediation, water, and bioenergy. The lab is especially interested in applicants with prior experience in environmental microbiology , molecular biology , synthetic biology , PFAS biotransformation , bioinformatics , or related laboratory/modeling skills. Eligible applicants should hold a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering, environmental microbiology, or a related field. Strong scientific writing, oral communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are important. Applicants currently in the U.S. are strongly encouraged to apply for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 . To apply, send a single PDF containing a 1-page cover letter, CV, two sample peer-reviewed publications, and three references to Dr. Kung-Hui Chu at kchu@civil.tamu.edu . Use the subject line: “Chu lab_PhD app_your last name.” Applications received by 2026-08-15 will receive full consideration, and review continues until the positions are filled. More information about the lab is available at the Chu Biotechnology Lab website.