PhD/MSc Position in US at Utah State University 2024 is open now. The Fungal Biotechnology & Engineering (FBE) Lab at Utah State University (USU) is seeking two Ph.D. or MSc. students for the Department of Biological Engineering, starting in fall 2024/Spring 2025. These positions offer full support, including salary, tuition waivers, and health insurance. The primary supervisor, Dr. Erika J. Espinosa-Ortiz, is a new Assistant Professor in Biological Engineering at USU. Her expertise spans biomineralization processes, environmental technology, wastewater treatment, biofilm engineering, and bioprocessing. Her research focus centers on advancing biotransformation technologies to recover resources from unconventional sources like wastewater, contributing to a more circular economy.
Dr. Espinosa-Ortiz brings a background in Environmental Engineering from the Autonomous Metropolitan University in Mexico City, a Master’s in Ecological Sciences & Engineering from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Technologies from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands. She also held a research position at the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University for seven years, enriching her expertise and experience in the field. Utah State University stands as Utah’s primary land-grant and space-grant institution, deeply committed to excellence, accessibility, and inclusivity. Catering to approximately 27,500 students across three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers, USU embraces its role as a land-grant university. This designation propels community engagement, fostering opportunities for individuals to lead fulfilling lives marked by active participation, innovation, and significant impact. Additionally, as an R1 research institution, USU offers top-tier undergraduate and graduate education at a reasonable cost. The university consistently earns high praise from Washington Monthly, securing a place in the top 10 among public universities for its contributions to social mobility, research endeavors, and public service initiatives.
Within USU, the Biological Engineering department, though modest in size, is rapidly expanding. Boasting an enrollment of approximately 200 undergraduates, 25 master’s and Ph.D. candidates, and a faculty cohort of 10 members, this department spearheads research in various cutting-edge fields. From biofuels to bionanomaterials, cell and metabolic engineering to tissue engineering, viral gene vectors to waste-to-bioproducts, the department is at the forefront of pioneering research.
Graduates from the Biological Engineering program embark on diverse paths, delving into research avenues encompassing consumer and medical products, diagnostics, food, instrumentation, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment. Their impact extends across industry, federal institutions, and academic domains. Recognized for its excellence, the BE graduate program secured the 23rd position among national universities in 2021, sharing this rank with Oregon State University and the University of Tennessee — Knoxville according to U.S. News.
PhD/MSc Position in US at Utah State University 2024
Program: PhD/MSc Position
Nationality: International
Host Region: United State
Institute: Utah State University
Field: Fungal Biotechnology
Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria for PhD/MSc Position in US at Utah State University 2024
- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Biological, Chemical, or Environmental engineering, microbiology, or related fields; science degrees in related fields are welcomed.
- Preferred previous laboratory research experience, especially in microbiology, mycology, or water treatment.
- Strongly motivated with a keen interest in bioprocesses, environmental remediation, and circular economy.
- Good language and communication skills are necessary.
- Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams, given the projects’ interdisciplinary nature.
- Experience with microscopy (e.g., SEM, Confocal microscopy), ICP-MS, 3D printing, is highly beneficial.
Required Documents for PhD/MSc Position in US at Utah State University 2024
- Cover Letter (stating your interest in one of the specific projects listed)
- CV
Project Description for PhD/MSc Position in US at Utah State University 2024
- NSF-funded project: Eco-manufacture recyclable and reusable building materials using microbes and biological processes.
- Designing fungal bioreactors for wastewater treatment in Space.
- Development of fungal-based technologies for environmental metal/metalloid removal and value-added product recovery from waste.
- Investigation of biofilm-related biodeterioration in building materials/coatings.
How to Apply for PhD/MSc Position in US at Utah State University 2024
- To apply, reach out to Dr. Espinosa-Ortiz using the provided link and submit a single PDF file containing your cover letter (specifying your interest in a particular project) and CV.
- For details about the PhD fellowship, contact the principal supervisor directly.
- For general information about PhD studies in the Biological Engineering Department at USU, refer to the link provided.
Deadline
- Applications are open to apply for PhD/MSc Position in US at Utah State University 2024.