Ph.D. Opportunity in Environmental Chemistry & Nanotechnology – Fall 2026 (Deadline: 1 December, 2025)

Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University

The Gao Lab at Baylor University invites applications for two fully funded Ph.D. positions starting in Fall 2026, focused on cutting-edge research at the intersection of environmental nanotechnology, agriculture, and machine learning. These positions are ideal for students seeking advanced training in sustainable environmental technologies and data-driven environmental risk analysis.

Research Focus Areas

The selected Ph.D. candidates will engage in one of the following interdisciplinary projects:

1. Nanomaterial Design for Agricultural Sustainability
   • Development and characterization of nanomaterials to enhance nutrient delivery to crops
   • Investigation of nanomaterial behavior in plants using advanced analytical techniques
   • Evaluation of uptake, translocation, and transformation of nanomaterials in agricultural systems
2. Machine Learning for Environmental Risk Assessment
   • Application of data science and machine learning to assess the fate and transport of emerging contaminants in soil and water
   • Modeling environmental risks and informing regulatory decision-making
   • Integration of experimental and computational data to develop predictive environmental models

The lab’s research has been published in leading journals such as Environmental Science & Technology and Journal of Hazardous Materials, with recent work exploring nanomaterials, contaminant behavior, and advanced environmental analytics.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Educational Background:
Applicants should hold a degree in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Environmental Chemistry or Engineering
• Chemistry
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Chemical & Biological Engineering
• Or related fields

A master’s degree is preferred, though exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree will also be considered.

Academic Requirements:

• GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in core coursework
• Strong foundation in chemistry, materials, or environmental sciences

Language Proficiency (International Students):

• TOEFL: 80+
• IELTS: 6.5+
  English proficiency will also be assessed via the application and a Zoom interview.

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability in scientific writing and communication
• Willingness to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• Strong motivation for academic or industry-oriented research careers

What the Gao Lab Offers

• • Full financial support: Competitive stipend (~$30,000/year) and full tuition coverage
  • Hands-on mentorship: Individualized guidance from Dr. Xiaoyu Gao on academic and career development

• • Collaborative research environment: Multidisciplinary and multicultural team experience

• Prestigious partnerships: Opportunities to collaborate with institutions like Argonne National Lab, McGill University, and others
• Advanced research tools: Access to Baylor’s state-of-the-art instrumentation, including:
  • LC-MS/MS
  • LA-ICP-MS
  • TOF-SIMS
• Global research exposure: Potential to conduct research at international synchrotron facilities such as:
  • Stanford SSRL
  • APS (Argonne)
  • ESRF (France)
• Professional development: Conference participation, outreach programs, and scientific publishing opportunities

About Baylor University

Baylor University is an R1 research institution—the highest designation for research activity in U.S. universities—and is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Waco, Texas, Baylor is also the only private Christian university to hold the R1 distinction. The university offers a strong academic community with access to world-class facilities and a commitment to research excellence.

Application Process

Interested applicants should send the following documents in a single PDF to Dr. Xiaoyu Gao at xiaoyu_gao@baylor.edu with the subject line:
“PhD application – [Your Name]”

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts (Unofficial copies are acceptable at this stage)
• Cover Letter (1–2 pages) outlining:
  • Anticipated start date
  • Educational background
  • Research experience and interests
  • Career goals
• Contact information for two references

Application review begins on December 1, 2025, and will continue until both positions are filled. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Zoom interview, and successful applicants will then be guided through Baylor’s formal graduate admission process: grad.baylor.edu/apply.

Applicants from underrepresented groups in science are strongly encouraged to apply. The lab and university are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For more information about the lab’s work, please refer to recent publications or contact Dr. Gao directly.

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