The Pennsylvania State University

Homepage: https://ecosystems.psu.edu

Full ad here: https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PSU_Academic/job/Postdoctoral-Scholar_REQ_0000075460-2

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Yu Lab at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to support research on the fate, transport, and transformation of emerging contaminants in soil and water systems, with a particular emphasis on interactions between micro(nano)plastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or other organic compounds, such as dissolved organic matter. Additional contaminants of interest include tire wear particles, engineered nanomaterials, and pathogens.

Research in the Yu Lab integrates laboratory experiments, pore-scale and continuum-scale modeling, and field-based approaches to understand contaminant behavior in complex environmental systems. The Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to focus on one or more of the following research areas as part of this position:

• Interfacial processes at solid-liquid and air-liquid interfaces relevant to micro(nano)plastics-PFAS interactions
• Pore-scale transport and retention processes in saturated and unsaturated porous media
• Aggregation, deposition, and remobilization kinetics of micro- and nanoplastics, PFAS, or other contaminants
• Physicochemical interactions governing contaminant mobility, transformation, and bioavailability

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Yingxue Yu to establish analytical and research capabilities in the lab, advance ongoing and new research projects, and contribute to the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will be expected to:

• Design and conduct experimental research on contaminant fate and transport, including laboratory, field-scale, and modeling studies, to generate high-quality, reproducible datasets
• Analyze, interpret, and synthesize experimental and modeling data using appropriate statistical and computational tools
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and scientific presentations for dissemination through peer-reviewed publications and professional conferences
• Contribute to the development of competitive research proposals by assisting with experimental design and preliminary data generation
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students through research training, supervision, and feedback
• Assist with laboratory management activities, including instrument operation and maintenance, user training, documentation of experimental protocols, and chemical inventory management

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following requirements at the time of appointment:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Soil Physics, Environmental Science/Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Physics, Hydrology, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated research experience in contaminant fate and transport, such as micro- and nanoplastics, PFAS, tire wear particles, engineered nanomaterials, pathogens

Applicants must be able to provide documentation that all Ph.D. degree requirements have been completed prior to the start date.

Preferred Qualities

The following qualities are desirable:

• Research experience with PFAS
• Strong quantitative, experimental, and analytical skills (e.g., laboratory instrumentation, computational modeling, data analysis)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to independently design and execute experimental studies
• Experience with or interest in supervising and mentoring students

Location

This position will be based at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park campus.

Start Date

The position is expected to begin no later than Fall 2026.

Contact Information

Inquiries about the position may be directed to:

Dr. Yingxue Yu
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
The Pennsylvania State University
417 Agricultural Sciences Building
University Park, PA 16802
Email: yqy5525@psu.edu

Application Instructions

Applications should be submitted through Penn State’s Workday system and include the following materials:

• Cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position, qualifications, research experience, and future research goals, including alignment with the research areas described above (maximum 3 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Up to three representative publications (full text)
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.