Fall 2024 / Spring 2025
The Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) at the Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, WA campus is seeking Graduate Research Assistants to perform research while working toward a Ph.D. degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE). The successful candidates will be offered a stipend, tuition, and student health insurance at the University standard. The students will be co-advised by scientists of USDA ARS and at WSU on research related to one of the following areas:
- Development of aptamer-based point-of-care lateral flow and colorimetric assays to detect re-/emerging viruses that pose significant threats to domestic and wild animals. A strong interest and/or familiarity with biosensors, microfluidics, paper-based sensors, lateral flow assays, diagnostic testing, molecular diagnostics, and lab-on-chip technology is desirable but not essential.
- Development, validation, improvement, and commercial adoption of nonthermal technologies that ensure the microbial safety of low-moisture foods, such as nuts and spices. A strong interest and/or familiarity with cold plasma, photo-inactivating lights, and/or gaseous antimicrobials by conducting inoculated challenge studies and industrial-scale validation is desirable but not essential.
- Development of novel interventions, integrating with bacteriophage biocontrol, and design and implementation of scale-up prototypes for application in food production/ supply chain to improve the safety of food products. A strong interest and/or familiarity with the integrated designs for engineering and biological experiments, prototyping, and product development is desirable but not essential.
Students will take courses at WSU and conduct experiments at USDA ARS WRRC Center, Albany, CA.
A B.S. or M.S. in engineering or a closely related degree, with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or above, is preferred.
Please go here to apply.
The positions are available immediately and will remain open until filled.
Questions regarding the application procedure can be directed to:
Joanna Dreger, BSE Graduate Academic Coordinator, Biological Systems Engineering Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6120, USA
Email: joanna-dreger@wsu.edu
Questions regarding the research interest can be directed to one of the following:
Dr. Juming Tang, WSU-BSE
Email: jtang@wsu.edu
Dr. Shyam Sablani, WSU-BSE
Email: ssablani@wsu.edu
Dr. Vivian Wu, USDA-ARS-WRRC
Email: vivian.wu@usda.gov