PhD Opening

We invite applications for fully funded PhD positions beginning Fall 2027!

The Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) Lab in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering at the University of Central Florida invites applications for fully funded PhD positions beginning Fall 2027.

About UCF

Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF is an R1 public research university offering 250 degree programs, with 70,674 students enrolled (as in Fall 2025). UCF ranks No. 121 nationally and No. 58 among public universities in the 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, and No. 68 for best graduate school for environmental engineering education (Department website: https://www.cece.ucf.edu/).

Research opportunity

Successful applicants will conduct field and laboratory research in soil and water biogeochemistry across natural and engineered soil and aquatic systems. Responsibilities include:

• Field sampling and laboratory analysis of soil, water, and gas samples.

• Data management, statistical analysis, and development of reproducible analytical workflows.

• Preparation of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Required qualifications

• A master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Water Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline, completed by enrollment.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• A professional, collaborative working style.

Preferred qualifications

• Research experience with soils, wetlands, cropping systems, and/or stormwater treatment systems.

• Demonstrated analytical laboratory skills.

• Training or experience in statistics; proficiency in R and/or Python.

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to drive for fieldwork.

Funding

Full funding is available for competitive applicants through a combination of fellowship and graduate assistantship support.

How to express interest

Please email Dr. Jing Hu at jing.hu@ucf.edu with the subject line PhD27 and include:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV).

2. Statement of research interests (1–2 pages).

3. Unofficial transcripts.

4. Contact information for two to three references.