Master/PhD student position

A PhD/Master student position in water quality modeling and sensor deployment optimization at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Institution: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

College: Engineering

Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering

Location: Piscataway, New Jersey, USA

About Rutgers University: Founded in 1766, Rutgers University stands as one of America's earliest higher education institutions and boasts three campuses, with the main one located near New York and Philadelphia. With over 71,000 students from 125+ countries, Rutgers offers a wide array of degrees across 175 departments and 29 colleges. Renowned for its research prowess in fields like mathematics, physics, and engineering, the university ranks 50th globally and 29th in the US according to the 2021 CRWU ranking. It proudly counts Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and esteemed fellows among its faculty and alumni. Situated in a prime location, Rutgers University provides abundant opportunities for research, learning, and growth, making it a distinguished member of the BIG10 University Alliance. 

Position Description: Dr. Roger Wang invites applications for a graduate research assistant position working toward a PhD in the research area of Water Engineering and Informatics funded by US National Science Foundation (NSF). The research project aims to revolutionize water quality monitoring by developing an innovative optical-fiber sensor capable of tracking multiple water quality parameters year-round. As a Research Assistant, the student will be at the forefront of advancing water quality monitoring technology by developing a water quality model to understand the greenhouse gas cycling in lakes and optimizing the measurement strategies using both stationary and mobile underwater platforms. The student will also collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop a miniature, fiber-optic multiparameter sensor, assist its calibration and refinement using novel machine learning-based methods, and participate in the sensor deployment and data collection efforts. More information about the research group is at https://whirlab.onrender.com. This position is available immediately.

Required Qualifications:

(1) BS or MS degree in civil and environmental, chemical, mechanical engineering, or other closely related disciplines.

(2) Excellent written and oral communication skills.

(3) Highly self-motivated.

Preferred Experience:

(1) Hydraulic, hydrodynamic, hydrologic, and water quality modeling.

(2) Programming languages, such as Python, Matlab, C++, or FORTRAN.

(3) Data and stochastic process background.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Roger Wang (rq.wang@rutgers.edu) via email with the following information:

(1) Detailed curriculum vitae with a full list of published and submitted papers.

(2) GRE test score (if available).

(3) TOEFL or IELTS test score if the candidate’s native language is not English (can be waived under certain conditions).

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.