About the Research Group

Selected candidates will join Dr. Behzad Ghanbarian’s research group, which specializes in interdisciplinary studies involving:

• Geosystems engineering
• Subsurface fluid flow
• Environmental modeling

This is a unique chance to contribute to impactful research projects at a Tier-1 research university located in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.

Preferred Academic Background

Applicants with experience in the following disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Geosystems Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Sciences or related fields

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Admission

To qualify for this fully funded PhD position at UTA, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must currently reside in the United States or be able to obtain a U.S. student visa by Fall 2025
• GRE scores are mandatory for admission
• Non-native English speakers must submit:
  • TOEFL: Minimum 23 in each section
  • IELTS: Minimum 7.0 in each band

Important Dates

• Start Term: Fall 2025
• Application Deadline: Rolling (early applications are strongly recommended for funding consideration)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email the following documents directly to Dr. Behzad Ghanbarian at ghanbarianb@uta.edu:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Official academic transcripts
• Valid GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores

Why Choose UTA for Your PhD?

• Tier-1 Research Institution
• Strong interdisciplinary academic and research infrastructure
• Outstanding career placement services
• Competitive PhD funding and assistantship packages
• Diverse and inclusive international research environment

Learn More

Explore the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at UTA here:
UTA Earth & Environmental Sciences Website

PhD Research Topic:

Impact of Climate on Radionuclide Transfer to Plants

With rising global temperatures, it’s essential to understand how radioactive and chemical pollutants behave in terrestrial ecosystems. This PhD project investigates how climate change affects radionuclide transfer from soil to plants, focusing on two contrasting climatic zones:

• Temperate/humid climates (e.g., Europe)
• Hot/dry climates (e.g., UAE)

A unique aspect of this research is the inclusion of soil microbial communities in radionuclide uptake analysis—providing a comprehensive understanding of pollutant dynamics under climate stress.

Key Research Objectives

• Analyze radionuclide transfer mechanisms between soil and plants under different climate scenarios
• Investigate the influence of rhizospheric microbial communities on pollutant uptake
• Develop predictive environmental models to forecast pollutant behavior due to climate change

Methodology & Experimental Setup

The PhD research will employ state-of-the-art methods, including:

• Nucleated phytotron experiments for climate simulation (Subatech lab)
• Hydroponic systems to study radionuclide bioavailability
• Soil/sand pot trials for real-world transfer simulations across diverse soil and climate types
• Use of radionuclide analogues in non-nuclearized phytotrons (LPG lab)

Candidate Profile: Eligibility & Skills

Essential Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or related fields
• Solid understanding of life and earth sciences
• Hands-on experience with phytotron-based plant growth systems
• Knowledge of pollutant tracing techniques and research valorization
• Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written)
• Demonstrated organizational skills, autonomy, and scientific rigor

Preferred Expertise (Bonus Skills):

• Background in radiochemistry and/or microbiology
• Familiarity with radioecology, soil science, or plant-microbe interactions

Research Supervision Team

You’ll work under the guidance of an experienced academic team:

• Prof. A. Abdelouas – IMT Atlantique
• Prof. T. Lebeau – Nantes Université
• Dr. O. Péron – Nantes Université

Support and training will be provided by both Subatech and LPG laboratories.

Application Deadline:

May 9, 2025 – 23:59 (UTC)

Application Checklist

Prepare the following documents for your application:

• Updated CV
• Motivational cover letter detailing your research interests and relevant experience

How to Apply

Apply directly through the CNRS application portal:

Click Here to Apply Online