The Yao Lab in the Center for Industrial Ecology at Yale University has one PhD position open for fall 2023. This position provides a fully-funded fellowship at the Yale School of the Environment.
We are looking for a self-motivated graduate student who is interested in the sustainable utilization of biomass for energy, chemicals, and advanced materials. The student will be developing state-of-the-art analysis tools for quantifying the environmental impacts of biomass-based materials and emerging technologies, optimizing existing and future industrial systems, and identifying feasible pathways to a sustainable bioeconomy. We use transdisciplinary approaches in Industrial Ecology and Green Engineering. Students will have opportunities to learn those exciting tools and participate in high-impact projects. Example projects include sustainable biochar sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation, nature-based carbon capture projects funded by Yale, and sustainable aviation fuel projects supported by private companies.
Successful applicants should have backgrounds in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or other engineering fields. Applicants should hold a BS and Master’s degree or a BS with relevant working/research experience. Candidates with high-quality peer-reviewed journal publications are preferred. Good speaking and written English are required. GRE is preferred for all applicants. Previous experience and/or documented knowledge in one or more of the following areas are highly recommended to apply:
- Mathematical programming and data analytics (e.g., Matlab, R, Python, GAMS)
- Process modeling and simulation (e.g., AspenPlus or similar software)
- Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis
If you are interested in joining the Yao lab as a PhD student, please check the research page of the group (https://yao.research.yale.edu/) and provide a CV, transcripts, and a brief statement of your research interests when contacting Dr. Yao (y.yao@yale.edu).