PhD Opportunities in Water Resources

Explore fully funded PhD positions at Clemson University‘s LINS Lab for Fall 2026 in water resources and human-water systems. Join a top research lab focusing on sustainable and resilient water systems, decision analytics, and data science. Benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations, strong faculty mentorship, and hands-on experience in civil engineering for impactful solutions.

Clemson University PhD Opportunities in Water Resources and Human-Water Systems – Fully Funded LINS Lab Positions Fall 2026

A Premier Opportunity for Future Water Leaders

Clemson University and the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering invite applications from highly motivated candidates for fully funded PhD positions in water resources and human-water systems beginning in Fall 2026 (with an option for Spring 2026 start). These competitive positions are hosted by the LINS Lab (Lin Lab for Intelligent Nexus Systems of Water & Society), which is internationally recognized for advancing sustainable and resilient water systems planning, management, and decision-making.

This is an exceptional opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research while addressing pressing global water challenges through data-driven, science-based, and interdisciplinary approaches. Successful candidates will join a collaborative and dynamic community of researchers working at the interface of engineering, hydrology, climate science, data science, and policy to develop innovative solutions for sustainable water futures.

Why Choose the LINS Lab at Clemson University?

Consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the United States, Clemson University offers PhD students:

• World-class faculty mentorship and access to cutting-edge infrastructure

• Advanced computing resources for high-resolution modeling and simulation

• Interdisciplinary collaborations with departments of computer science, statistics, environmental sciences, and public policy

• Opportunities for field-based research and partnerships with industry and government agencies

The LINS Lab is directed by Chung-Yi Lin, an active member of American Geophysical Union (AGU) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Dr. Lin’s expertise spans human-water systems modeling, decision analytics, and resilience planning, offering students unparalleled guidance in developing impactful and interdisciplinary research.

Research Themes and Focus Areas

Accepted PhD students will work on transformative projects in areas including:

Water Resources Planning and Management

• Agent-based modeling of water user behavior and system interactions

• Multi-objective optimization of infrastructure under climate uncertainty

• Risk-based water allocation strategies for competing agricultural, industrial, and municipal demands

• Integrated water-energy-food nexus modeling

Resilience in Smart Water Systems

• Stormwater and urban drainage network optimization

• Reservoir operations modeling for drought and flood risk mitigation

• Development of cyber-physical secure water systems with real-time sensing

• Designing adaptive and resilient water networks under future climate stressors

Water Use, Data Science, and Decision Analytics

• Machine learning for water demand forecasting and anomaly detection

• Big data-driven network analysis of water use and scarcity risks

• Quantitative modeling of cascading risks across water, food, and energy systems

• Decision-support systems for sustainable water resource governance

This research blends engineering rigor with computational innovation, enabling students to generate actionable insights for real-world decision-makers.

Full Funding and Professional Development

All admitted PhD students receive comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full tuition waiver

• Competitive monthly stipend

• Health insurance coverage

Funding is provided through Research Assistantships (RAs) and Teaching Assistantships (TAs), ensuring students can focus fully on their research. Additionally, students benefit from:

• Opportunities to publish in top peer-reviewed journals

• Travel support for national and international conferences

• Professional development workshops in grant writing, scientific communication, and leadership

• Collaboration on interdisciplinary, multi-institution research projects

This holistic training prepares graduates to become leaders in academia, government, industry, and consulting.

Applicant Profile and Eligibility Criteria

Ideal candidates will have an academic background in one or more of the following:

• Civil or Environmental Engineering

• Hydrology or Water Resources Engineering

• Data Science, Statistics, or Computer Science

• Climate Science, Atmospheric Science, or Environmental Policy

Preferred qualities include:

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills

• Interest in computational modeling, systems thinking, and decision analytics

• Creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving drive

• Excellent communication and collaborative mindset

Prior experience with tools like Python, MATLAB, R, or Julia is an asset but not mandatory.

Application Instructions

Applicants should compile a single PDF including:

1. One-page cover letter describing:

   • Research interests and fit with the LINS Lab

   • Relevant academic or professional experience

   • Long-term career goals

2. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Academic transcripts from all universities attended

Submit your application by email to: linslabrecruiting@gmail.com
Subject line: Prospective Student | [Full Name] | PhD | Fall 2026

Early applications are encouraged. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Culture and Vision of the LINS Lab

The LINS Lab embraces a mission of “connecting science, decisions, and society” to ensure resilient and sustainable water futures. Core values include:

• Collaboration and knowledge sharing

• Innovation and intellectual curiosity

• Commitment to impactful real-world solutions

• Diversity, inclusion, and mutual support

Students regularly collaborate with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international research partners, and gain access to advanced computational resources for data-driven water systems research.

This supportive, interdisciplinary ecosystem fosters creativity, rigor, and leadership development.

About Clemson University and Glenn Department of Civil Engineering

Located in South Carolina, Clemson University is a leading public research institution known for excellence in engineering, environmental science, and computing. The Glenn Department of Civil Engineering provides state-of-the-art labs, field research opportunities, and strong connections with government and industry partners.

Career Prospects and Alumni Outcomes

Graduates from the LINS Lab are highly sought after, securing positions in:

• Leading universities as faculty and postdoctoral researchers

• Government agencies such as US Environmental Protection Agency and US Geological Survey

• International research centers and policy think tanks

• Private sector consulting firms, utilities, and environmental organizations

This strong alumni network ensures graduates enter the workforce with robust technical expertise, leadership skills, and professional connections.

Start Your Application Today

Join the LINS Lab at Clemson University to become part of a forward-thinking team tackling the world’s most pressing water challenges.

• Email: linslabrecruiting@gmail.com

• Apply early for full consideration for Fall 2026 (or Spring 2026)

Shape the future of water. Impact society. Build a resilient world.

Start your journey today with a PhD in Water Resources and Human-Water Systems at Clemson University.