Apply for a fully funded PhD in Emerging Contaminants & Water Treatment at FIU, USA, starting Fall 2025. Competitive stipend, tuition waiver, cutting-edge lab facilities, and global research exposure in microplastics and water purification.
Fully Funded PhD in Emerging Contaminants & Water Treatment at FIU, USA – Fall 2025
Florida International University (FIU), one of the top public research universities in the United States, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Emerging Contaminants & Water Treatment within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. This position, based in vibrant Miami, Florida, offers an exceptional opportunity to join the Hooman Research Lab led by Prof. Hooman Vatankhah, starting in Fall 2025.
For those looking for fully funded PhD programs in the USA 2025 or aspiring to build a research career in environmental science, microplastics research, and advanced water treatment technologies, this opportunity offers unmatched resources, expert mentorship, and global impact.
🌊 Research Focus: Cutting-Edge Environmental Science
The Hooman Research Lab focuses on understanding and mitigating the risks associated with emerging contaminants such as:
✅ Microplastics
✅ Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
✅ Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs)
✅ Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs)
Key areas of research include:
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Fate and transport of emerging contaminants in aquatic systems
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Advanced analytical chemistry techniques for contaminant detection
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Development of membrane-based separation technologies
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Design of bench-scale and pilot-scale water treatment systems
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Application of LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) and TOC analyzers for real-time monitoring
This PhD opportunity is ideal for those passionate about tackling global environmental challenges such as plastic pollution, sustainable water purification, and green chemistry solutions.
👩🔬 Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful PhD applicant should have:
✅ Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or closely related fields
✅ Strong background in environmental chemistry, analytical instrumentation, and process engineering
✅ Hands-on experience with LC-MS, TOC analyzers, membrane filtration, and pilot-scale system design
✅ Strong data analysis skills (using tools like Python, R, MATLAB)
✅ Excellent English communication and scientific writing abilities
✅ Strong collaborative mindset for working in interdisciplinary teams
This program welcomes international students and seeks candidates who are driven, innovative, and committed to solving real-world water contamination problems.
💼 What You Will Do
As a PhD student in this program, your responsibilities will include:
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Leading experimental design for water treatment research
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Operating and managing advanced instrumentation such as LC-MS systems
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Authoring peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and policy briefs
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Presenting research at international conferences and workshops
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Managing aspects of project coordination, data management, and funding reports
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Contributing to collaborative, multidisciplinary research teams
This role offers tremendous growth opportunities for career development in environmental engineering, water research, and global policy development.
🌟 What FIU Offers
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💰 Competitive Stipend
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🎓 Full Tuition Coverage
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🏥 Health Insurance Benefits
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🔬 Access to State-of-the-Art Research Facilities
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🌐 Opportunities for Global Collaborations & Networking
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📈 Professional Development Support (conference travel, leadership training, publication support, and career planning)
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🏖 Live and study in Miami, Florida — one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the U.S.
🏫 About Florida International University (FIU)
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Ranked among Top 50 Public Research Universities in the USA
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One of the highest research activity universities (R1 classification)
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Located in Miami, Florida — a global hub for international research collaborations, environmental policy, and ocean sciences
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Strong partnerships with NOAA, EPA, NSF, and other major funding agencies
FIU offers an exceptional platform for students to engage in interdisciplinary research addressing global environmental challenges.
📩 Application Process
Application Components (single PDF):
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Updated CV
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Contact information for two professional references
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1-page research vision statement
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Copies of any publications, conference papers, or thesis abstracts
How to Apply:
Submit your complete application via this online form:
👉 FIU Hooman Lab PhD Application Form
Rolling Admission:
Applications will be reviewed continuously. Early submissions are highly encouraged for full consideration.
🔎 Why Pursue This PhD?
The demand for experts in emerging contaminants and sustainable water treatment technologies is rapidly growing worldwide due to increasing climate change, global plastic pollution, and clean water scarcity issues. This fully funded PhD opportunity at FIU provides a highly competitive pathway to launch a global career in academia, industry, or government agencies, specializing in one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
If you’re driven to create solutions for the world’s growing water quality and environmental pollution challenges, this fully funded PhD program at Florida International University offers everything you need: world-class research infrastructure, expert mentorship, competitive financial support, and a global platform for your work.
✅ Apply now for Fall 2025 intake and take the first step toward a highly impactful career in environmental innovation and water sustainability!
