Two Fully Funded MS Research Positions in PFAS Decomposition at UNF
University of North Florida
The De la Cruz Research Lab at the University of North Florida is recruiting two fully funded M.S. students for Spring 2027 to study the kinetics of high-temperature PFAS decomposition. Applicants from chemical engineering, environmental engineering, computational chemistry or related fields are invited to email a CV, transcript and personal statement.
The De la Cruz Research Lab at the University of North Florida has openings for two fully funded M.S. students beginning in Spring 2027.
The students will work on research examining the kinetics of high-temperature decomposition of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). UNF confirms that Dr. Florentino De la Cruz is an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering whose active research includes PFAS remediation through thermal processes, environmental engineering, waste management and the protection of human health and the environment.
The positions are expected to align with UNF's research-based Master of Science in Civil Engineering, which offers thesis study and environmental and water-resources engineering options. Candidates with bachelor's preparation in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, computational chemistry or a closely related field are encouraged to apply.
Funding: the recruitment announcement describes both positions as fully funded. It does not publish the stipend amount, tuition-remission details, duration or ancillary benefits, so shortlisted applicants should confirm the written funding package directly with Dr. De la Cruz and UNF before accepting an offer.
How to apply: email Dr. De la Cruz at f.de.la.cruz@unf.edu with your current CV, undergraduate transcript and personal statement. The statement should summarize your academic background and research interests, explain your long-term goals and show how this opportunity supports them. Lab screening is rolling until the positions are filled.
Candidates selected by the lab must also complete UNF's formal graduate application. For Spring entry, UNF lists October 1 as the international applicant deadline recommended for immigration processing and December 1 as the general Civil Engineering M.S. deadline.
Benefits
- Two M.S. research positions advertised by the lab as fully funded.
- Research training in high-temperature PFAS decomposition and reaction kinetics.
- Work with the De la Cruz Environmental Research Lab and UNF's engineering research facilities.
- Training spanning environmental engineering, chemical analysis, computational tools and PFAS remediation.
- Specific stipend, tuition coverage, funding duration and other benefits should be confirmed in writing because the announcement does not state them.
Eligibility summary
- Open to qualified domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants should be prepared for in-person, research-based master's study at UNF in Jacksonville, Florida.
- International students should meet UNF credential-evaluation, English-language and immigration-document requirements.
- Selection for the lab opportunity and admission to the University are separate decisions; applicants must complete both processes.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, computational chemistry or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical, quantitative and interpersonal skills.
- Evidence of preparation through academic transcripts, publications and/or relevant extracurricular activities.
- Programming experience in R, Python or a comparable language is desirable.
- Organic chemistry and analytical chemistry preparation is desirable.
- Experience with LC-MS or GC-MS is desirable.
- Satisfy UNF Graduate School and M.S. in Civil Engineering admission requirements.
Documents required
- Current curriculum vitae.
- Undergraduate academic transcript.
- Personal statement describing academic preparation, research interests, long-term goals and alignment with the project.
- UNF online graduate application if selected to proceed.
- Official transcripts after admission.
- Course-by-course credential evaluation for applicable international transcripts.
- English-language proficiency documentation when required.
Language/test requirements
How to submit applications
Provider: University of North Florida
Faculty: https://scholars.unf.edu/en/persons/florentino-de-la-cruz/ Programme: https://www.unf.edu/graduateschool/academics/programs/civil-engineering.html Apply: https://applynow.unf.edu/apply/
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