The Michigan Technological University (MTU) College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) is seeking outstanding and motivated applicants to fill a Graduate Research Assistantship at PhD level to study upcycling scrapped wood products containing creosote. The Assistantship will provide stipend and tuition coverage for the first two years, and later support will depend on renewal of the project.

Creosote is an essential wood preservative to many U.S. industries as it plays a critical role in extending the service life of wood structural members. The industries generate more than 3 million tons of scrapped creosote-treated wood products in the U.S. annually. Such a huge amount of scrapped wood is a valuable, but not fully exploited, resource for value-added products. The successful candidate will join the Wood Protection Group at MTU CFRES in the effort to develop novel wood preservatives and porous carbon materials using thermochemical approaches, and will have the unique opportunity to work with leading industrial collaborators.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Wood Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or other relevant fields. Preference will be given to the applicants with research experience in developing emulsion systems, laboratory testing of wood decay resistance, and/or biomass liquefaction.

To apply, create one single PDF file including: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3)
unofficial transcripts of undergraduate and graduate courses; and (4) contact information of three references. International applicants whose first language is not English must include unofficial GRE and TOEFL scores. In the cover letter, please explain your qualifications, research interest, and research experience related to this position. Please name the PDF file with your last name and email it to Dr. Xinfeng Xie (xinfengx@mtu.edu). In the email subject line type “Re: Sustainable Bioproducts Assistantship 2020”. Reviewing of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Desirable candidates will be invited to submit their official applications to MTU Graduate School.

Please contact Dr. Xinfeng Xie (xinfengx@mtu.edu), Assistant Professor of Forest Biomaterials, for more information.

The student will be based in Houghton, Michigan within MTU CFRES. MTU is located in
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior, an excellent place for outdoor adventure. Houghton, Michigan is a safe and friendly community
(see www.mtu.edu/international/admissions/community/ for more about life in the area).