Job Overview:
The Baumbauer lab at Boise State University is seeking PhD students in the field of environmental sensor development. The lab is housed in the electrical and computer engineering department, and the work is interdisciplinary, combining biogeochemistry, electrical engineering, materials science, and manufacturing. Current and past projects include sensors for oxygen, methane, and nitrate/other ions, water level, and temperature, but students may propose other types of sensors. Students can be admitted through the ECE PhD program or the general engineering PhD program, which includes a water and environment track.
Students with a background in earth sciences who have used electrical sensors in fieldwork and are interested in developing better sensors are especially encouraged.
The positions are funded including a stipend, tuition, and healthcare.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelors or Masters in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental science, geoscience, physics, or related fields. This is inherently interdisciplinary work, and you are expected to have a strong foundation in the fundamentals of your technical area and be excited to learn about new areas. If your background is in earth sciences, you will need to learn about materials and/or electronics. Strong verbal and written communication in English
Preferred Qualifications:
Undergraduate research experience Experience working with and deploying soil, water, or gas sensors Data processing in MATLAB, python, R, or other language Basic electrical circuits (Eg. breadboard with resistors and capacitors, working with Arduino, raspberry pi, or similar systems) CAD and/or 3D printing, making waterproof housings for electronics
Application
Please start by emailing Dr. Baumbauer (carolbaumbauer@boisestate.edu) including a description of your background, which of the group’s projects you’re interested in and why, and a 1-2 page CV or resume. Priority deadline for emails: December 15.
Learn more about the research group here: https://www.boisestate.edu/coen-sage/
Learn more about the Boise State Electrical and Computer Engineering doctoral program: https://www.boisestate.edu/coen-ece/programs/grad-programs/ece-phd/
Learn more about the Engineering broad field PhD: https://www.boisestate.edu/engineeringphd/ (which includes a water and environment track)
