Environmental Engineering, Microbiology, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Chemical Engineering

The Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors is seeking a fully funded Ph.D. student to join the Hydrologic Interfaces and Processes Laboratory at Boise State University for Fall 2025. The role involves research on bacterially mediated reactive transport, with projects focusing on pharmaceuticals in river sediments and microbial interactions in confined flows. Candidates should have a relevant degree and a strong passion for analytical problem-solving.
Environmental Engineering, Microbiology, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Chemical Engineering

Job Type: Graduate

Job Rank: Graduate Student

Job Institution: Boise State University
Job Description

Boise State Assistant Professor Kevin Roche is recruiting one Ph.D. student to join the Hydrologic Interfaces and Processes Laboratory for Fall 2025. This position is fully funded and supports student tuition, benefits, and a graduate stipend. While there is flexibility on the potential research projects, all projects focus on bacterially mediated reactive transport in confined geometries. Potential projects include:
• Using experiments and modeling to investigate the fate of pharmaceuticals and their degradation byproducts in river sediments.
• Investigating feedbacks between mass transport, microbial growth, and reactions in confined flows (e.g., groundwater, the human gut) using microfluidics.

The student will be a member of the Department of Civil Engineering and will join an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program that best suits their skills and interests. Our lab highly values diverse perspectives and welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive research group whose trajectory is shaped by the unique backgrounds of its members.
Minimum Qualifications
• B.S. degree in engineering, physics, earth sciences, microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, or a related degree with relevant quantitative coursework.
• Strong passion for learning and an eagerness for applying analytical skills to solve complex problems.
• Willingness to work both independently and in team settings on open-ended tasks.
• Written and oral communication proficiency in the English language.
Preferred Qualifications
• M.S. degree in engineering, physics, earth sciences, microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, or a related degree with relevant quantitative coursework.
• Prior research experience performing laboratory experiments (e.g., columns, microfluidics, biofilm growth), coding (e.g., Python, Matlab), and data analysis.
• Prior experience disseminating knowledge in written (e.g., publication) and oral formats (e.g., conference presentations).
How to Inquire

Please email Kevin Roche directly before applying, and include:
• Subject line: “HIP Lab prospective student Fall 2025”
• A brief intro:
Share who you are and what draws you to working in the HIP laboratory. Please explain how your relevant skills or experience align with the lab’s research goals.
• Project info:
Include any specific interests and questions you have about the project themes described above.
• Supporting documents (as a single pdf):
Attach your CV or resume, contact info for two professional references, as well as any additional materials that might be useful, such as previous conference abstracts, publications, unofficial transcripts, and theses. Please do not attach all publications to your email; instead, provide links to the journal article or doi.

Students will join an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program that best suits their skills and interests, with program options including:
Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical and Biomedical, or Geosciences. Please see the Graduate College webpage for more information including links for applying. Application due dates are program dependent. Priority is given for applications received by Jan 15.

Boise State’s College of Engineering is the largest and top-ranked engineering college in Idaho. The college has experienced tremendous growth through increasing enrollment, research activity, and influence in the community.

Boise State University sits along the Boise River Greenbelt in the heart of Idaho’s rapidly growing capital city. A unique blend of city amenities and outdoor access – including 180+ miles of nearby trails – make it one of the highest rated cities in the U.S. for livability.
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