모집중 Fully Funded Ph.D. Student Recruitment (Start from Spring 2027)

**1) Recruitment Information:** The Liu Research Group in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is recruiting **two fully funded Ph.D. students** for **Spring 2027**, and applications from outstanding M.S. students are welcome. The program start date is **January 11, 2027**, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. The group develops next-generation membrane and electrochemical separation technologies, with an emphasis on fundamental science and engineering at the materials–water interface. Current research areas include **critical mineral recovery (e.g., rare earth elements), water reuse and desalination, electrodialysis and electrochemical separations, membrane science and engineering, and advanced materials and interfacial processes for environmental applications**. Research in the group integrates membrane science, electrochemistry, interfacial science, advanced materials characterization, and data-driven approaches to address both fundamental scientific questions and practical environmental engineering challenges. **2) Eligibility and Required Documents:** Applicants with backgrounds in **Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering**, or closely related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Prior research experience in membrane science, electrochemistry, water treatment, or environmental materials is desirable but not required. Successful applicants should demonstrate strong motivation for research, excellent written and verbal English communication skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and a strong sense of responsibility and initiative. For initial review, please submit a **single PDF** containing a curriculum vitae (CV), academic transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review), and representative publications or research reports (optional). In your email, please briefly describe your research interests and why you are interested in joining the group. Please email the materials to **[yiming.liu@sdstate.edu](mailto:yiming.liu@sdstate.edu)** with the subject line **“Ph.D. Application – Your Name.”** All applicants must also submit an official application through the South Dakota State University Graduate School. **3) Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria:** The selection process consists of an initial review of application materials, an online interview for qualified applicants, and an official application to the South Dakota State University Graduate School. Applicants will be evaluated based on their academic and research background, research interests and fit with the group, motivation for graduate research, communication skills, and ability to work independently and collaboratively. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. **4) Tuition and Scholarship Information:** The **two Ph.D. positions are fully funded**. South Dakota State University offers competitive graduate student support and outstanding research facilities, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary and international collaboration. **5) Schedule and Important Notes:** The intended entry term is **Spring 2027**, with a program start date of **January 11, 2027**. Application review will continue on a rolling basis until the positions are filled, and interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Yiming Liu and submit their materials early. **Contact:** Dr. Yiming Liu, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, South Dakota State University; Email: **[yiming.liu@sdstate.edu](mailto:yiming.liu@sdstate.edu)**; Personal Page: https://www.sdstate.edu/directory/yiming-liu; Research Group: http://yiming-liu.com/; SDSU Graduate School: https://www.sdstate.edu/graduate-school.