Postdoctoral Research on PFAS Water Treatment | Fraunhofer USA – Fully Funded EPA Project

Join Fraunhofer USA at Michigan State University for a postdoctoral position in PFAS water treatment research. Lead EPA-funded projects, mentor students, and drive real-world environmental innovation.

🚨 Postdoctoral Research Opportunity on PFAS Water Treatment | Fraunhofer USA – Center Midwest

Are you passionate about solving critical environmental issues through science and innovation? Do you want to lead impactful research with real-world applications?

Fraunhofer USA – Center Midwest, a renowned applied research institution located at Michigan State University, is inviting applications for a full-time postdoctoral research position in its Water Treatment Research Group, under the guidance of Dr. Ibrahim Abusallout.

This prestigious role involves leading a fully funded EPA research project in collaboration with the University of Maine, focused on developing sustainable solutions for removing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from contaminated agricultural runoff using adsorption-based water purification techniques.

🔍 About Fraunhofer USA – Center Midwest

Fraunhofer USA is a premier U.S.-based applied research institute that bridges academia and industry. Located at Michigan State University, the Center Midwest specializes in developing innovative technologies in environmental science, materials engineering, and water treatment.

Joining Fraunhofer means working at the intersection of cutting-edge science and societal impact, with access to world-class laboratories, interdisciplinary teams, and advanced analytical facilities.

🌍 Why This Postdoc Is a Game-Changer

• EPA-Funded Research: Tackle PFAS, one of the most urgent environmental contaminants globally.

• Real-World Impact: Your work will contribute to clean water initiatives and environmental sustainability.

• Academic-Industry Bridge: Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and government bodies like the U.S. EPA.

• Mentorship Role: Lead and mentor MS and undergraduate students in applied lab and field research.

• Publish and Present: Contribute to peer-reviewed journals, write research proposals, and present at top-tier conferences.

🧪 Key Responsibilities

As a Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Engineering, you will:

• Design and conduct batch and column adsorption studies for PFAS removal

• Perform advanced chemical analysis and water quality testing

• Operate and interpret data from instruments like LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, FTIR, SEM-EDS, XRD

• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications

• Collaborate on grant proposals and project reports

• Present research at national and international conferences

• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate interns

🎓 Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

• Hands-on experience with water treatment experiments

• Knowledge of adsorption science, chemical analytics, and environmental chemistry

• Strong communication, scientific writing, and organizational skills

🌟 Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in PFAS adsorption and RSSCT techniques

• Familiarity with instrumentation: LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, FTIR, SEM, XPS

• Skills in proposal writing, data interpretation, and team leadership

• A publication track record in environmental science journals

💼 Position Details

• Start Date: July 2025 (Flexible)

• Location: Fraunhofer USA, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

• Type: Full-time, salaried position

• Benefits Package Includes:

  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

  • Paid vacation and sick leave

  • Pension plan and retirement contributions

  • Professional development support

• Term: Initial 1-year appointment, renewable based on performance and funding.

📬 How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity:

📧 Email your CV and a brief statement of interest (PDF format) to: Dr. Ibrahim Abusallout
✉️ Email: abusallo@msu.edu

Subject Line: Postdoc Application – PFAS Water Treatment Project

🔔 Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early submission is encouraged.

🌐 About PFAS and Why It Matters

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. Linked to severe health issues including cancer, hormone disruption, and immune dysfunction, PFAS contamination in water is one of EPA’s top regulatory priorities.

This postdoctoral project is designed to innovate adsorption techniques using sustainable materials to mitigate PFAS pollution in agricultural runoff—one of the least-addressed contamination sources to date.

🚀 Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Lead and Impact

Fraunhofer USA’s partnership with top U.S. institutions like MSU and the University of Maine, along with funding from U.S. EPA, makes this an exceptional opportunity for early-career scientists ready to lead the future of water treatment technology.

If you’re passionate about clean water, sustainable science, and high-impact environmental engineering, this postdoctoral research fellowship is designed for you.

📢 Apply Today. Be the Change for Tomorrow.

The world needs scientists who don’t just publish — but solve problems. Are you one of them?

🔗 [Apply now by sending your CV to abusallo@msu.edu]