Postdoctoral Researcher Positions in Physicochemical Water Treatment and Environmental Chemistry

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POSITION SPECIFICS 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 positions 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 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, 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: 1. Cover letter describing research interests and qualifications 2. Curriculum vitae 3. One-page statement of research interests and future goals 4. Contact information for three professional references Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled. For questions regarding the position, please contact: Dr. Onur G. Apul Associate Professor Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering The Pennsylvania State University Email: BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here . EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. 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