Fully Funded PhD Positions in Biomanufacturing, Bioseparation & Biomaterials – Kansas State University | Spring & Fall 2026

Apply now for fully funded PhD positions in biomanufacturing, downstream processing, bioseparation, and biomaterials at Kansas State University starting Spring or Fall 2026. Open to chemical, biological, and agricultural engineering backgrounds.

🎓 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Biomanufacturing, Bioseparation, and Biomaterials at Kansas State University – Spring & Fall 2026

Are you passionate about sustainable biomanufacturing, bioseparation, and cutting-edge materials development? If yes, then the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Kansas State University (K-State) invites you to apply for multiple fully funded PhD positions in the research group of Dr. Yian Chen, starting in Spring 2026 or Fall 2026.

These prestigious openings offer exciting research opportunities in interdisciplinary fields that aim to advance the circular bioeconomy, combining engineering, life sciences, and materials science. With competitive funding, world-class mentorship, and access to advanced facilities, this program is perfect for motivated students aiming to tackle global sustainability challenges through innovative research.

🔍 Overview of the PhD Opportunity

🎓 Program: PhD in Biological and Agricultural Engineering
🧪 Research Focus: Biomanufacturing, Bioseparation, Downstream Processing, Biomaterials, Smart Manufacturing
📍 Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
📅 Start Date: Spring 2026 or Fall 2026
💸 Funding: Full tuition, competitive stipend, and benefits
📤 Application Email: yianchen0910@gmail.com
🌐 Group Website: Linked PDF Opportunity

🧠 About the Research Group – Prof. Yian Chen

Dr. Yian Chen is an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University, specializing in the development of economically viable and sustainable technologies for biomanufacturing and separation processes. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from UCLA and postdoctoral experience at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), she brings a powerful combination of scientific rigor and innovation to her lab.

📈 Achievements:

• 🏅 First Place – National Academic Achievement Award, AWWA

• 🏆 Director’s Award for Exceptional Performance – NREL

• 🔬 Postdoctoral Research – Focused on bioengineering and sustainable materials

Dr. Chen’s lab emphasizes:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration

• Application-driven research

• Innovation for a circular bioeconomy

The lab encourages a supportive, diverse, and inclusive environment with mentorship tailored to individual academic and professional goals.

🧪 Research Areas and Projects

The PhD students will work on interdisciplinary, high-impact research projects at the crossroads of chemical engineering, environmental systems, materials science, and biological engineering.

🔬 Key Research Themes:

1. Simultaneous Fermentation & Downstream Separation

• Developing integrated systems that combine fermentation with purification

• Boosting process efficiency and reducing environmental impact

2. Process Integration & Intensification

• Modeling and optimizing downstream processing systems

• Creating novel unit operations for smart manufacturing

3. Advanced Biomaterials & Separation Media

• Synthesizing solvent-resistant membranes, hydrogels, and bio-based materials

• Tailoring surface functionality for selective separations

4. Mechanistic Modeling of Separation Processes

• Investigating transport and reaction phenomena

• Predicting performance using computational simulations

5. Sustainability in Biomanufacturing

• Reducing carbon footprint

• Applying circular design principles to bio-product development

🎯 Ideal Candidate Profile

We welcome candidates from diverse engineering and science disciplines, including:

• Chemical Engineering

• Biological Engineering

• Agricultural Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Materials Science and Engineering

• Polymer Chemistry

✅ Preferred Qualifications:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in relevant field

• Hands-on lab experience in:

  • Bioprocessing

  • Membrane synthesis

  • Bioseparations

• Excellent communication (spoken and written)

• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills

• Creativity, independence, and attention to detail

• Passion for sustainability and innovation

Note: Prior research experience is desirable but not mandatory. Students with the right motivation and potential will receive full training.

🎓 What the Program Offers

This is not just a PhD—it’s a career-launching platform.

💰 Full Financial Support

• Full tuition waiver

• Competitive stipend

• Health insurance and benefits

🏛 Institutional Resources

• Access to cutting-edge lab and computational facilities

• Collaborations with:

  • National labs (e.g., NREL)

  • Top-tier academic institutions

  • Industry partners

🌱 Mentorship & Growth

• Individual development plans

• Training in scientific writing, presentation, and publishing

• Conference participation and networking opportunities

• Exposure to grant writing, project management, and teaching

🏫 About Kansas State University (K-State)

Kansas State University is a Carnegie R1 research institution, recognized for its leadership in agriculture, engineering, and sustainability-focused research.

Key Facts:

• Located in Manhattan, Kansas

• Carl R. Ice College of Engineering – known for excellence in bioprocess engineering

• Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) – national leader in:

  • Environmental engineering

  • Food-energy-water nexus

  • Sustainable technology development

K-State fosters a dynamic environment of cross-disciplinary collaboration, equity, and research-driven innovation.

🗂️ Application Process

📤 How to Apply

Interested applicants should combine the following documents into a single PDF and send them to:

📧 yianchen0910@gmail.com

Include:

• A statement of research interests and career goals

• CV or resume

• Unofficial academic transcripts

• Thesis (if any) or published papers

• Names and contact info of 2–3 references

📅 Important Dates

Early submissions are highly encouraged as positions are competitive and limited.

💬 What Makes This PhD Opportunity Unique?

• 🌱 Focus on Sustainability: Contribute directly to the circular bioeconomy

• 🔬 Translational Science: From lab to application

• 🤝 Collaborative Culture: Work with experts from national labs and global institutions

• 💡 Mentorship-Driven: Personalized career and academic guidance

• 🧰 Diverse Skill Development: Gain expertise in experimentation, modeling, simulation, and systems integration

🔑 🌟 This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable innovation. Join Dr. Yian Chen and her dynamic research group at Kansas State University to contribute to impactful solutions in biomanufacturing, separation science, and materials development.

Don’t miss your chance to work in an inclusive, research-rich, and professionally empowering environment. Apply now and be part of a mission to redefine sustainability through science.

Apply or Share Today

📤 yianchen0910@gmail.com

Website: https://www.k-state.edu/

📎 PDF Opportunity Flyer