Positions

Graduate/Postdoctoral Research Position: Advanced Wastewater Treatment
Virginia Tech – Northern Virginia Campus

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for graduate (M.S./Ph.D.) and postdoctoral positions located at our Northern Virginia (NOVA) campus. Under Dr. Zhiwu (Drew) Wang, successful candidates will support highly applied pilot-scale wastewater research in collaboration with regional municipal facilities, such as Upper Occoquan Service Authority, Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control Plant, and H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility.

Research Focus:

• Continuous-flow aerobic granular sludge
• Mobile organic biofilm systems
• Low-carbon nutrient removal technologies

This research employs real wastewater and large pilot-scale reactors to generate practical findings, directly applicable to industry-scale implementation.

Location Advantages (Northern Virginia):

• Close proximity to Washington, D.C., offering networking opportunities with government agencies and international organizations
• International culture and cuisine, excellent K-12 education, mild climate, and safe communities
• Convenient international travel via Dulles International Airport

Position Requirements:

• B.S./M.S. (for graduate positions) or Ph.D. (for postdocs) in Environmental, Civil, Chemical, Biological Systems Engineering, or closely related fields
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills, evidenced through peer-reviewed publications or professional presentations
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to coordinate among government agencies, private industry, and academic teams
• Comfort with handling real wastewater in daily lab and field settings
• Own personal vechile and valid driver’s license required for daily commute

International B.S./M.S. Applicants:

• TOEFL ≥90 (IBT) or IELTS ≥6.5 required; GRE may be waived

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should email their CV to Dr. Zhiwu Wang (wzw@vt.edu) with subject line: “2025 NOVA PhD/MS/Postdoc application”. Review will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled. Selected candidates will be interviewed virtually.

December 16, 2025

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Biological Wastewater Treatment

Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Research Area: Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery
Example Focus Areas: Sludge densification and settleability control, biological nutrient removal, anaerobic digestion and co-digestion, pilot-scale wastewater and residuals treatment, process intensification and optimization
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
University: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Location: Great Washington DC Metropolitan Areas

Position Overview

The position is immediately available, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

Dr. Zhiwu (Drew) Wang’s research team at Virginia Tech invites applications from highly motivated postdoctoral candidates in biological wastewater treatment and environmental biotechnology. This position is intentionally designed for candidates who aspire to conduct use‑inspired, applied research that can be translated rapidly into real‑world implementation at full‑scale and pilot‑scale facilities. The successful candidate will work closely with utilities, industry partners, and public agencies to deliver solutions that have near‑term operational impact, rather than purely theoretical outcomes.

Important location note: This position is not located on the main Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg. The primary duty station is in the Great Washington DC metropolitan area, with frequent work at pilot‑scale research facilities in Northern Virginia.

Research Environment and Location Advantages

The Washington, DC metropolitan area offers an exceptional professional and personal environment for applied environmental research. The position is based close to major wastewater utilities, pilot and demonstration facilities, and is within easy access to federal agencies such as EPA, DOE, USDA, and NSF, enabling direct engagement with regulators, funding agencies, and technology developers. The region provides outstanding transportation connectivity (Metro, commuter rail, international airports), diverse and vibrant international communities, and a high quality of life with strong cultural, educational, and professional networks. This setting is particularly advantageous for candidates interested in careers that bridge research, practice, and policy.

Key Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to take a leadership role in projects under their management and work with a high degree of independence and responsibility. Core responsibilities include:

• Conducting and leading pilot‑scale and field‑based research on biological wastewater treatment processes, such as sludge densification, biological nutrient removal, and anaerobic digestion, with an emphasis on process performance, stability, and scalability.
• Designing, executing, and interpreting laboratory‑scale and pilot‑scale experiments that address practical operational challenges faced by wastewater treatment and resource recovery facilities.
• Coordinating day‑to‑day research activities at off‑campus pilot facilities in Northern Virginia, including planning experimental campaigns, supervising students or technicians, and ensuring safe and reliable operation.
• Analyzing data, preparing high‑quality technical reports, peer‑reviewed journal manuscripts, and practitioner‑oriented deliverables that support rapid technology transfer.
• Contributing to proposal development, project management, and communication with utility, industry, and agency partners.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a strong background in biological wastewater treatment processes.
• Demonstrated experience in applied research areas such as activated sludge systems, sludge settleability and densification, biological nutrient removal, anaerobic digestion, or related processes.
• Strong experimental and analytical skills, with the ability to independently plan, execute, and troubleshoot complex research activities.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with engineers, operators, students, and external partners.
• A high level of professionalism, responsibility, and organizational skill, with the ability to take the lead on projects and drive them to completion.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a personal vehicle to pilot research facilities as part of routine job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with wastewater utilities, pilot‑scale facilities, or industry‑supported research projects.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing research tasks, mentoring students, or coordinating multi‑partner projects.
• Interest in translational research, technology deployment, and careers that connect academia with practice and policy.

How to Apply

Applicants may contact Dr. Zhiwu (Drew) Wang at wzw@vt.edu with questions regarding this position. Interested candidates should submit a single enquiry email including a brief statement of interest and a current CV. Please include “Postdoctoral Application – Biological Wastewater Treatment” in the email subject line.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only best‑fit candidates will be contacted for follow‑up discussions and virtual interviews.

About the Research Program and Virginia Tech

Dr. Wang’s research program focuses on applied environmental biotechnology, wastewater and residuals treatment, and resource recovery, with strong integration of pilot‑scale research and industry collaboration. Additional information about ongoing projects, facilities, and publications can be found at www.wang.bse.vt.edu.

Virginia Tech is a globally recognized land‑grant university with strong programs in biological systems and environmental engineering, and a long‑standing mission of translating research into societal benefit.