For PhD students

For PhD students

The Yu Research Group, led by Dr. Yaochun Yu, at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Stanford University is seeking creative, motivated, and passionate Ph.D. students to join the lab. 

For Year 2026: Stanford’s Graduate Admissions deadline for programs in the School of Engineering and Doerr School of Sustainability is December 2, 2025 (https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/explore-programs. Prospective PhD students are encouraged to apply to the Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD program. Please mention Prof. Yu in your statement of purpose, this will ensure the application will be sent to Dr. Yu for review.

Candidate Requirements:

We are looking for individuals who are:

  • Curious, driven, collaborative, and kind. We believe that a positive attitude, strong self-motivation, a willingness to learn, and genuine passion for environmental research matter more than specific technical backgrounds.
  • Committed to contributing to a research environment that is inclusive, respectful, joyful, and productive. We strive to build a team where everyone feels valued and supported. We uphold the highest standards of professionalism and have zero tolerance for arrogance, discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any behaviour that undermines a collaborative and inclusive culture.
  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology) is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
  • Relevant prior research experience is a plus. Experience in any of the following areas would be particularly beneficial: analytical chemistry (especially using Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry), automated liquid handling platforms, molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid and protein extraction, cloning, and protein purification), and environmental microbiology, including enrichment and cultivation of microorganisms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Additional relevant experience includes chemical biotransformation studies (e.g., biodegradation, bioaccumulation, biosorption), toxicity testing, microfluidics (especially droplet-based isolation of environmental microbes), chemical imaging (e.g., MALDI), and bioinformatics, such as metagenomic/metatranscriptomic analysis, functional gene annotation, and protein purification, modelling or engineering (e.g., using AlphaFold).
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research projects as well as work collaboratively within a team.
  • Good scientific writing and communication skills in English.

We Offer:

  • A fully funded position with a competitive stipend and benefits.
  • A supportive, stimulating, and interdisciplinary research environment within a world-class institution.
  • Access to new and state-of-the-art shared facilities and instrumentation.
  • Opportunities for collaboration across Stanford University and beyond.
  • Strong mentorship and career development, including funding support for attending conferences and workshops.

To Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Yaochun Yu via email (yaochuny.cee@gmail.com) with the subject line: "Prospective PhD student in Stanford CEE - [Your Full Name]- Year".

Please attach a single PDF file containing the following documents:

  1. Motivation Letter (1 page max): Describe your research interests (especially how they align with our group's focus), relevant experience, long-term career goals, scientific vision, desired starting time (e.g., Spring 2026 or Fall 2026).
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV, no page limit): Include your educational background (in reverse chronological order), a full list of publications and conference presentations (include a link to your Google Scholar profile or ORCID, if available), relevant research experience, coursework, work history, and any technical skills (if applicable). For each publication listed, please add one sentence briefly describing your role and contribution.
  3. Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts (in English) for all undergraduate and graduate studies are acceptable for the initial application.
  4. Contact information for 2–3 referees, preferably including your current academic advisor. Reference letters will only be requested if you are shortlisted for an interview.
  5. TOEFL Score Report (if applicable): If your first language is not English, you must take the TOEFL iBT and meet Stanford’s requirements to be eligible to start coursework right upon enrollment. Full details can be found here: (https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/test-scores#toefl).  If you meet the criteria for a language waiver, please clearly indicate how your case qualifies. Details about TOEFL Exemptions can be found in the same website provided before.

 

Interested students are strongly encouraged to reach out early to discuss potential research fit and directions.