Post-Doc on Environmental Engineering via AEESP

Job Type:

Post-Doc Job Rank:

Postdoctoral researcher

Job Institution:

Penn State Job Description Two (2) Postdoctoral Researcher Positions Physicochemical Water Treatment and Environmental Chemistry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering The Pennsylvania State University The research group of Dr. Onur Apul in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for two (2) Postdoctoral Scholar position in the areas of physicochemical water treatment, environmental chemistry, and emerging contaminants. Dr. Apul leads the Drinking Water Treatment Innovations Laboratory, which develops fundamental and applied solutions for emerging water quality challenges through advanced treatment technologies, environmental nanotechnology, and adsorption science. The successful candidates will contribute to externally funded research projects focused on one or more of the following areas: PFAS fate, transport, treatment, and destruction Activated carbon adsorption and regeneration Thermal treatment of PFAS-laden treatment residuals Nanobubble-based water treatment technologies Microplastics and nanoplastics in environmental systems Environmental surface chemistry and interfacial phenomena Current projects include NSF-supported research on PFAS-contaminated treatment systems, environmental impacts of PFAS releases, nanobubble technologies, and emerging contaminants in water systems.

Responsibilities The postdoctoral scholar will:

Lead independent and collaborative research projects, and assist with proposal development and research management Design and conduct laboratory experiments, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and present research at national and international conferences Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across Penn State and partner institutions Maintain instruments, and laboratory's environmental health and safety procedures Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals Demonstrated expertise in experimental research Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently and collaboratively Preferred Qualifications Experience in one or more of the following: PFAS analysis, treatment, or destruction Adsorption and activated carbon systems GC-MS, ICP-MS, TOC, or related analytical techniques Environmental nanotechnology Water and wastewater treatment processes Colloid and interface science Environmental fate and transport modeling Data analysis using AI tools, Python, MATLAB, R, or similar tools Position Details Initial appointment: One year, renewable based on performance and funding availability Expected start date: Summer/Fall 2026 (flexible) Competitive salary and benefits

Location:

University Park, Pennsylvania Penn State offers a highly collaborative research environment with access to world-class facilities, including advanced analytical instrumentation, emerging contaminant analysis labs, materials characterization facilities, and interdisciplinary research centers. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop an independent research portfolio while contributing to cutting-edge solutions for critical environmental challenges. Application Instructions Interested applicants should submit the following to onur@psu.edu . The subject line of the email should be "Postdoc Application 2026". Other subject lines may not be reviewed. Cover letter describing research interests and qualifications Curriculum vitae One-page statement of research interests and future goals Contact information for three professional references Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information:

The goal of Apul Research Group is to make relevant and impactful contributions to environmental engineering discipline via fundamental research on carbon adsorption. We are a diverse, inclusive, equitable group of researchers that share the values are integrity, curiosity, respect, compassion, courage, creativity and accountability. For more information you can visit ( www.onurapul.com ) Penn State ( www.psu.edu ) is an elite research university, an AAU member, and a Carnegie R1 school with $1.44 billion annual research expenditures. Penn State has an extremely powerful alumni network enabling $4.50 billion endowment making Penn State Alumni Association is the largest dues-paying alumni association in the world. Also the university is one of the three land

• space
• sun
• and sea-grant schools in the nation and often ranked top 30 in public schools (according to US News).

Graduate Engineering Programs at Penn State are Ranked 17 among public institutions nationwide with ambitious and supportive programs. Our research group is located in one of the newest interdisciplinary engineering buildings (ECoRE built in 2024; https://www.engr.psu.edu/master-plan/ecore-building.aspx ) on the flagship campus of Penn State in College Park (aka Happy Valley). The campus and the city are presenting a safe, productive, balanced and rewarding grad school experience. The campus is home to Beaver Stadium, the second-largest stadium in the Western hemisphere. Whether you're living on campus or commuting, you'll be part of a close-knit community that supports your personal growth, encourages collaboration, and provides a network of lifelong friendships. For questions regarding the position, please contact: Onur G. Apul, Ph.D., P.E.

Associate Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering The Pennsylvania State University Email:

onur@psu.edu