🇺🇸 Seeking a PhD Student in Drinking Water Engineering & Microbiology 💧
The Dowdell Laboratory in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Utah is recruiting a PhD student to begin in Fall 2025! This is an exciting opportunity to conduct research that improves human health by studying the microbiology of drinking water from source to tap.
🔍 Research Focus:
✔ Investigating the factors that influence drinking water microorganisms and pathogens
✔ Sampling full-scale drinking water systems
✔ Using culture-based and molecular methods to quantify drinking water microorganisms
✔ Working in interdisciplinary teams to address critical water quality challenges
✔ Engaging in both laboratory and field-based research.
📌 Ideal Candidate:
🎓 Required:
▪ BS in Environmental Engineering or a related field (minimum 3.0 GPA)
▪ Interest in drinking water microbiology and a strong desire to learn
▪ International students must provide proof of English proficiency.
🌟 Preferred:
▪ MS in Environmental Engineering or related field
▪ Experience in water sampling, DNA extraction, PCR, water quality analyses
▪ Background in scientific writing and data analysis (R & RStudio)
▪ Ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
📍 Location: Salt Lake City, UT
📅 Deadline to Apply: April 4, 2025
🔗 How to Apply:
Interested applicants should email Dr. Katherine Dowdell (k.dowdell@utah.edu) with:
✔ CV
✔ Transcripts
✔ Representative publication or example of scientific writing
For more details on the graduate admissions process: https://www.civil.utah.edu/graduate-admissions/
The Dowdell Laboratory welcomes researchers of all backgrounds and identities—if you’re passionate about drinking water safety and microbiology, we encourage you to apply! 🌎💦
Know someone who might be a great fit? Please share!
