Fully Funded Graduate Position (Fall 2026) in Dr. He Environmental Chemistry Lab at Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University is a premier public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 Universities – “High research activity" in Southeast Georgia, serving nearly 28,000 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern is the fifth-largest and a comprehensive institution in the University System of Georgia. The university offers over 140 different academic majors at bachelor’s, master's, and doctoral levels, with a focus on hands-on learning, research, and community. As a "military-friendly" school, the university emphasizes student success and vibrant campus life.
Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant
Job Department: Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics
Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026 or rolling basis
Job Description:
The HE Environmental Chemistry Lab at Georgia Southern is looking for a creative and self-motivated Ph.D. student to join us starting Fall 2026. The successful candidate will conduct research in photochemical- and geochemical-transformation of emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS) in natural systems. This research will involve a combination of laboratory and field studies, utilizing cutting-edge analytical methods (LC-MS/MS, Time of Flight MS, and GC-MS) to explore molecular-scale mechanisms in environmental settings. The student will gain interdisciplinary experience in environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, and materials science. To learn more about our prior research, visit research group page (https://www.the-he-lab.com/research.html) and Google Scholar profile (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=00yKbkMAAAAJ&hl=en).
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct independent and collaborative research in emerging contaminants (PFAS) fate and transport, transformation, remediation, and management.
Perform laboratory and field experiments to study photo-geo-chemical processes in environmental settings and engineering processes in engineered systems.
Utilize advanced analytical techniques for contaminants detection and quantification.
Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, developing quantitative models where applicable.
Prepare scientific publications and presentations for peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Assist in mentoring undergraduate students and contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team.
Required Qualifications:
B.S. or M.S. in Environmental/Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or other closely related fields.
Willingness to engage in both laboratory and field research.
Excellent self-motivation, strong research aptitude and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in oral and written English communication.
Prior experience with advanced analytical (mass spec, microscopic, or spectroscopic) instrumentation.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working on emerging contaminants (PFAS or other organic contaminants).
Background in photochemistry, aqueous chemistry, or soil chemistry.
Demonstrated ability to write and publish original research.
Prior experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork.
Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit a Google Form at https://forms.gle/V6EKVeTTjRhdu1Tp7 and upload a single PDF file combining the following documents: (1) a Cover Letter describing relevant experience and qualifications (one page); (2) CV; (3) Academic Transcripts; (4) A Representative Publication.
Review of applications will begin immediately. The application deadline for Fall 2026 admission is April 1, 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email at jhe@georgiasouthern.edu.