Fully Funded PhD and Postdoctoral opportunities for 2026 in Environmental Engineering, Biostatistics and Analytical Chemistry at top global universities.
Global Academic Opportunities in Environmental Science and Engineering for 2026
The landscape of higher education and advanced research is rapidly evolving, with a significant push toward sustainability, water security, and advanced data analytics. For scholars in the fields of Environmental Microbiology, Biostatistics, Analytical Chemistry, and Civil Engineering, the year 2026 presents a wealth of opportunities to join world-class research institutions. Several high-impact PhD and Postdoctoral positions currently open for application, providing a roadmap for academic career advancement.
1. Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Microbiology
Focus Area: Water Quality and Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
The field of environmental microbiology has become a cornerstone of public health, particularly through the lens of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). This open call for Postdoctoral Fellows targets researchers ready to dive into the complexities of water quality assessment and pollutant removal.
Research Scope and Impact
The successful candidate will engage in high-level research concerning the detection and mitigation of pathogens and chemical pollutants in water systems. As global urbanization increases, the pressure on wastewater infrastructure grows, making the development of efficient removal processes critical. This position emphasizes:
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Wastewater-Based Epidemiology: Utilizing sewage samples to monitor community health and disease outbreaks.
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Pollutant Removal: Innovating chemical and biological methods to extract emerging contaminants from effluent.
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Water Quality Assessment: Implementing advanced microbiological techniques to ensure potable water safety.
Eligibility and Requirements
This fellowship is designed for early-career researchers who have demonstrated a high level of academic rigor.
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Minimum Qualification: A Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, or Chemistry.
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Recency: The doctoral degree must have been obtained within the last five years.
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Publication Record: A proven track record of publishing in accredited peer-reviewed journals is mandatory.
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Career Stage: This must be the applicant’s first postdoctoral fellowship appointment.
Application Details
To apply, candidates must consolidate their curriculum vitae and supporting documentation into a single PDF file.
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Contact: iwwtpdf@dut.ac.za
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Closing Date: 5 February 2026
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Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
2. PhD Position in Biostatistics: University of Oslo
Focus Area: Causal Inference and Event History Analysis
The University of Oslo is offering a fully funded, 4-year PhD position within its prestigious biostatistics department. This role is ideal for mathematicians and statisticians interested in the intersection of public health and data science.
Project Overview
The research project focuses on developing sophisticated methods for causal inference and event history analysis. A primary motivation for this work is the estimation of vaccine effects using Norway’s extensive population-wide registry data. This provides a unique opportunity to work with real-world, large-scale datasets that influence national health policies.
Benefits of the Position
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Duration: A stable 4-year contract provides ample time for deep research and dissertation completion.
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Funding: Fully funded, covering both tuition and a competitive living stipend.
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Environment: The University of Oslo is renowned for its collaborative atmosphere and access to high-quality health registries.
Application Timeline
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Deadline: February 4th, 2026
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Official Link: University of Oslo Job Portal
3. Postdoctoral Research Associate at NC State University
Focus Area: PFAS, Drinking Water Contaminants and Watershed Drivers
North Carolina State University (NCSU) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for Dr. Jacelyn Rice-Boayue’s Research Group. This position is at the forefront of the fight against “forever chemicals” (PFAS) and other critical drinking water contaminants.
The Research Challenge
The project centers on the predictive assessment of contaminant risk in source waters. This involves an integrated approach using:
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Analytical Chemistry: Identifying PFAS and disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors.
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Geospatial Analysis: Utilizing hyperspectral imaging to track the transport of contaminants.
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Hydrology: Modeling the behavior and fate of pollutants in surface waters influenced by both natural and human drivers.
Key Responsibilities
The Postdoc will take a leadership role within the lab, managing interdisciplinary projects and mentoring junior researchers. Responsibilities include field coordination, laboratory analysis, and the synthesis of findings into high-impact manuscripts.
Qualifications
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Required: Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, or Chemical Engineering.
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Preferred Skills: Proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB; experience with machine learning and remote sensing; and a background in fate and transport modeling.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, and three references.
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Contact: Dr. Jacelyn Rice-Boayue (jjrice@ncsu.edu)
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Subject Line: RB Lab Postdoc Application [Your Name]
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Review Start Date: February 9, 2026 (Rolling basis)
4. PhD Opportunities at University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
Focus Area: Water and Wastewater Treatment & Non-Point Source Pollution
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UAH is recruiting one to two PhD students for the Fall 2026 semester to join Dr. Tingting Wu’s research team.
Academic Focus
The research group specializes in:
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Physio-chemical Treatment: Investigating advanced oxidation, membrane filtration, and adsorption.
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Pollution Control: Developing strategies for managing non-point source pollution, which remains one of the greatest challenges to watershed health.
Why Choose UAH?
Located in “Rocket City,” Huntsville, UAH offers a unique blend of high-tech research opportunities and a high quality of life. The university is a hub for engineering excellence, providing students with access to specialized labs and a lower cost of living compared to major coastal cities.
Application Requirements
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Education: A B.S. in Environmental Engineering is required; an M.S. is preferred.
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Materials: Send CV, transcripts, and contact info for three references to tingting.wu@uah.edu
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Review Status: Ongoing until filled.
🔗 UAH: http://www.uah.edu/
5. PhD Scholarship in Analytical Spectroscopy: Flinders University
Focus Area: Mechano-driven Decomposition of Water
Flinders University in Australia is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship for a project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC). This is a multi-disciplinary effort focused on the sustainable production of hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen.
The Research Project
The student will work on “Mechano-driven decomposition of water,” utilizing the Vortex Fluidic Device (VFD). The primary task is the use of real-time analytical spectroscopy to monitor chemical processes in situ.
Financial Benefits and Eligibility
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Stipend: AUD 36,060 per annum for 3 years (with a potential 6-month extension).
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Tuition: International applicants may receive a tuition fee waiver.
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Requirements: An Honours or Masters degree in Chemistry with a strong background in multivariate analysis or machine learning is preferred.
Application Process
Interested students must contact Dr. Sara Miller with a cover letter, research sample (thesis or publication), and CV.
Contact Information
Email: careers@flinders.edu.au
Email: philippa.spencer@flinders.edu.au
Email: rianna.lopez@flinders.edu.au
Email: margaret.alexander@flinders.edu.au
Email: barbara.doherty@flinders.edu.au
Email: nalini.klopp@flinders.edu.au
Email: askflinders@flinders.edu.au
Email: Haylee.scott@flinders.edu.au
Email: Tracey.noah@flinders.edu.au
Email: Laetitia.perrot@flinders.edu.au
Email: recruitment@flinders.edu.au
Email: Agastya.sanghadia@flinders.edu.au
Email: Gorakh.deshmukh@flinders.edu.au
Email: Tapan.srivastava@flinders.edu.au
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Contact: sara.miller@flinders.edu.au
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Internal Deadline: February 19, 2026
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Final Deadline: April 11, 2026
6. Environmental Biotechnology PhD at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Focus Area: Resource Recovery and Onsite Wastewater Treatment
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the Environmental Biotechnology research group, led by Dr. Zhiyue Wang.
Research Vision
The group is dedicated to transforming wastewater treatment from a disposal process into a resource recovery process. Research areas include:
- Developing next-generation onsite treatment systems.
- Innovating resource recovery techniques for centralized facilities.
- Mathematical modeling of biological processes.
Package and Perks
The position includes a competitive Research Assistant (RA) stipend, a full tuition waiver, and comprehensive student benefits. Being a Carnegie R1 university, UHM provides a premier research environment in the unique ecological setting of Hawaii.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should ideally hold both a B.S. and M.S. in a related field. Experience in molecular microbiology or process engineering is highly valued. GRE scores are optional, allowing for a more holistic review of the candidate’s research potential.
Application Steps
Submit a CV, transcript, and a 2-page statement of research interests to Dr. Zhiyue Wang at zhiyue@hawaii.edu
The Importance of Advanced Research in 2026
The positions listed above represent more than just academic jobs; they are frontline roles in solving the most pressing environmental crises of our time.
Addressing PFAS and Emerging Contaminants
As regulatory bodies worldwide, such as the EPA, tighten limits on PFAS in drinking water, the research conducted at institutions like NC State becomes vital. Postdoctoral researchers in these roles are tasked with developing the sensors and models that will protect public health for decades.
The Shift Toward Circular Economy in Water
The opportunities at UHM and UAH emphasize resource recovery and non-point source control. This reflects a global shift away from the “linear” model of water use toward a “circular” model where energy, nutrients, and water are reclaimed and reused.
Data-Driven Public Health
The Biostatistics role at the University of Oslo highlights the growing reliance on “Big Data” in medicine. By refining causal inference methods, PhD candidates help ensure that public health interventions—like vaccination programs—are evaluated with the highest degree of statistical integrity.
Strategic Advice for Applicants
Securing a PhD or Postdoctoral position in 2026 requires more than academic excellence; it requires a strategic alignment of your skills with the research goals of the principal investigator (PI).
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Tailor Your Statement: Do not use a generic cover letter. For the Flinders University position, highlight your experience with spectroscopy; for the UHM role, focus on your lab skills in biotechnology.
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Consolidate Documents: Most applications require a single PDF. Use professional software to ensure your CV, transcripts, and letters are merged cleanly without losing image quality.
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Respect Deadlines: With dates ranging from early February to April 2026, organization is key. Use a tracking spreadsheet to manage contact names and submission dates.
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Network: If a position interests you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the listed PI with intelligent questions about the project before submitting your final package.
The academic year 2026 promises to be a landmark year for environmental and statistical research. By applying to these prestigious programs, you are positioning yourself at the vanguard of scientific innovation.
