Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Position: Ph.D.
Funding: Graduate Assistantship
Start Date: Spring 2027
Application Deadline: Open until filled (ASAP)
The SALAR Lab (Selective Advanced Layers for Aquatic Remediation), directed by Dr. Amirsalar R. Esfahani, is seeking one (1) highly motivated Ph.D. student to join the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Kennesaw State University (KSU) beginning in Spring 2027.
Research Areas
The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research in membrane science and engineering, with opportunities to work in areas including:
- Advanced membrane fabrication and synthesis
- Nanostructured and graphene-based materials
- Removal of emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS, micro/nano plastics)
- Water and wastewater treatment • Roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing
- 3D printing and advanced manufacturing technologies
- Sustainable resource recovery
Preferred Qualifications
Applicants should have a strong academic background in one of the following disciplines:
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Chemistry, or
- Closely related discipline
Prior research experience in membrane technology, nanomaterials, polymers, water treatment, or laboratory research is desirable but not required.
Application Materials
Eager and dedicated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply by sending the following documents via email to arabban1@kennesaw.edu:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- TOEFL/IELTS Scores
- Transcripts of BS/MS Degrees
- Research Background and Interests
- Contact Information of Three References
- Relevant Research Publications (if applicable)
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Why Join the SALAR Lab?
The SALAR Lab (Selective Advanced Layers for Aquatic Remediation) develops next-generation membrane materials and scalable manufacturing technologies for sustainable water treatment, environmental remediation, and resource recovery. Students work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment with opportunities to publish in leading scientific journals, present at national and international conferences, and contribute to externally funded research projects.
Learn More
- SALAR Lab Website: https://facultyweb.kennesaw.edu/arabban1/
- Department Website: https://www.kennesaw.edu/spceet/academics/civil-environmental-engineering/
About Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a comprehensive public university with campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, located in the metropolitan Atlanta area. As the third-largest university in Georgia, KSU serves more than 51,000 students across over 190 undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs. Recognized as one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation, KSU is committed to academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships, and economic opportunity. The university fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment that empowers students to become lifelong learners, thought leaders, and informed global citizens while advancing education, research, and innovation.