PhD Student opportunities in marine microscale biophysics and engineering

We have openings for funded PhD students starting in Sept. 2025 to work in an engaging, interdisciplinary lab focusing on marine microscale biophysics. Specifically, we study particulate matter in aquatic environments and how fluid flow, biological activity, and physicochemical properties affect their transport and fate. Specific examples of ongoing projects include investigating how microscale turbulence and phytoplankton physiology affect marine snow formation and strength and how microplastic contaminants affect microalgae aggregate formation in varying aquatic environments. Potential candidates should have strong interests in marine science and engineering and have a relevant background (Bachelor's or Master's degrees) in oceanography, engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Experimental or field experience is a plus but is not required. Candidates interested in this opportunity are encouraged to contact Dr. Matthew Rau (matthew.rau@gwu.edu) for more information and to apply by Jan. 15th, 2025 to our program (https://graduate.engineering.gwu.edu/doctoral-admissions-requirements).

About the Rau Lab: Our lab is housed within the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at the George Washington University, located in the heart of Washington, DC. We are primarily an experimental and ocean-going field research group with a specific focus on transport processes related to marine science. We have many ongoing and upcoming research projects and collaborate actively with multiple oceanography programs across the US. The School of Engineering and Applied Science at GW offers a tightly-knit research community spanning many scientific disciplines, making it an ideal space for interdisciplinary science. As such, we have broad expertise unique to marine microscale biophysics, including actively working with ocean technology, turbulent flows, rheology, phycology, and more. Check out our lab website (https://blogs.gwu.edu/matthew-rau/) and reach out to Dr. Rau for more information.