Postdoctoral Associate in Civil & Environmental Engineering 

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ, USA 🇺🇸

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting TitlePostdoctoral Associate
DepartmentCivil & Environmental Engineer
Salary Details$63,968
Offer InformationThe final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
BenefitsRutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:Medical, prescription drug, and dental coveragePaid vacation, holidays, and various leave programsCompetitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings optionsEmployee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)Life insurance coverageEmployee discount programs
Posting SummaryA postdoc position is available with an anticipated start date of May 2026in Dr. Nicole Fahrenfeld’s group in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Rutgers University-New Brunswick (https://sites.google.com/site/nicolefahrenfeld/home). The postdoc will lead research on the quantification, fate, and transport of microplastics impacted by PFAS in the environment. The position is funded as a part of the DoD’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) (https://serdp-estcp.mil/page/415323e5-04d5-4783-ad11-5201a59f456d). The project is a collaboration between Rutgers, Temple, and CDM Smith. The initial appointment will be for 12 months, renewable for another one-year contingent on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.About the Fahrenfeld Group The Fahrenfeld Group works at the interface of environmental chemistry and environmental microbiology to promote water quality and sustainability. The team works closely with Dr. Georgia Arbuckle-Keil’s group in Chemistry at Rutgers University in Camden, NJ on several microplastics projects. Their microplastic research has been funded by National Science Foundation, NJ Sea Grant, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and Water Research Foundation, among others.
Position StatusFull Time
Posting Number25FA1058
Posting Open Date10/28/2025
Posting Close Date01/30/2026

Qualifications

Minimum Education and ExperiencePh.D. in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, or related fields. Highly motivated, capable of working independently and in a collaborative environment.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred QualificationsSignificant experience with methods for extraction and analysis of environmental plastics is required including FTIR (ATR- and FTIR-microscopy), Raman spectroscopy, and/or Pyrolysis GC-MS.Experience conducting controlled laboratory weathering studies is desirable. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. Evidence of contributions funding agency reports is desirable.While the primary work location is in Piscataway NJ, travel to labs in Camden NJ will be required for selected analyses, therefore candidates with a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable personal vehicle are preferred.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Overview
Statement

Posting Details

Special Instructions to ApplicantsProspective candidates should submit the following materials: brief cover letter, curriculum vitae (including a list of relevant coursework for environmental, organic, analytical, and polymer chemistry), names and contact information for three references, and up to two examples of scholarly output (e.g., published or submitted manuscripts). Application review will begin immediately and continue until the ideal candidate is identified.
Quick Link to Postinghttps://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/262473
CampusRutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location CampusBusch (RU-New Brunswick)
CityPiscataway
StateNJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Writing Sample 1
  3. List of Professional References (contact Info)
  4. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  5. Writing Sample 2

Optional Documents

12 days remaining

Apply by 30 January, 2026

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development