Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
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: onur@psu.edu
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.
