The Yao Lab at Yale Center for Industrial Ecology and Chemical & Environmental Engineering at Yale University invites applications for fully funded PhD fellowships for fall 2025. We are seeking self-motivated graduate students interested in researching sustainable biomass systems for industrial decarbonization.
Students will develop state-of-the-art analytical tools to quantify the environmental impacts, economic viability, and societal implications of utilizing biomass to decarbonize various industrial sectors, such as energy, materials, and construction. Our research employs transdisciplinary approaches in Industrial Ecology and Sustainable Engineering, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), and process simulations. Students will have the opportunity to learn these advanced tools and participate in high-impact projects, such as assessing and modeling biomass-based carbon removal systems and biomass-based materials like bioplastics.
Qualifications:
- Relevant backgrounds in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or other engineering fields
- A BS and Master’s degree or a BS with substantial research experience
- Preference for candidates with high-quality peer-reviewed journal publications
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- GRE scores are preferred for all applicants
- International students need a TOEFL score >100
Highly Recommended Experience/Knowledge:
- Mathematical programming and data analytics (e.g., Matlab, R, Python, GAMS)
- Process modeling and simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus or similar software)
- Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Analysis
For more information, please visit the research page of our group (https://yao.research.yale.edu/). If you are interested in applying, please contact Dr. Yuan Yao (y.yao@yale.edu) and provide a CV, transcripts, and a 1-2 page statement of your research interests and past experiences relevant to this position.