[ES_JOBS_NET] PhD/Postdoc Opportunities in Climate & Air Quality Research at USC

[Jiachen Zhang]

Are you enthusiastic about leading the way in research to combat air pollution and address climate change? Join Dr. Jiachen Zhang's research group (https://sites.usc.edu/jzhang/research/), which is at the forefront of investigating the complex interactions between climate change, air quality, and society (encompassing areas such as transportation, energy, land use policies, public health, and equity).
We are seeking two PhD students and one postdoctoral scholar to work on one of the projects including but not limited to:

  1.  Assess the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and transportation sectors and associated effects on air quality, health, and equity
  2.  Investigate the effects of urban land use and property modifications as a means to mitigate urban heat and lower temperatures
  3.  Improving the simulation for long-range transport of black carbon aerosols and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in atmospheric models
  4.  Applicants are also encouraged to propose research ideas aligned with their interests that resonate with the overarching research objectives of Dr. Zhang's research group.
We welcome applications from candidates who possess any of the following qualifications:

  *   Commitment and passion to addressing critical societal challenges related to climate change, air quality, and equity through research and outreach
  *   A strong background in engineering or science, such as coursework or research experience in Environmental, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, Atmospheric or Earth sciences, Environmental Health, or related fields
  *   Proficiency in air quality and climate modeling tools such as WRF, WRF-Chem, WRF-CMAQ, AERMOD, CESM, GEOS-Chem; or experience in travel demand and freight transport modeling or expertise in traffic data analysis utilizing tools like ArcGIS and Streetlight Analytics platforms.
  *   Proficiency in data mining techniques and computer programming (e.g., Python, MySQL, R, and Excel), including hands-on experience with complex datasets and statistical analysis.
Prospective students and postdocs are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Jiachen Zhang at jiachen.zhang at usc.edu<mailto:iachen.zhang at usc.edu> before November 30. Please use the subject line "PhD-2024-Name" or "Postdoc-2024-Name", combine the following documents into one PDF, and attach it to your email:

  1.  Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  2.  A concise personal statement (less than two pages) of your research interests, experiences, skill sets, potential research ideas, and career goals.
  3.  Unofficial transcript
  4.  Contact information for recommenders (names, affiliations, and email addresses).

Application Information for PhD Students
Please review the USC application process via the following link: USC Graduate Admissions<https://viterbigradadmission.usc.edu/doctoral/how-to-apply-phd/>. If you are interested in our group's research topics and want to make positive social impact through your research, please indicate Dr. Jiachen Zhang as a potential advisor in your application. To be considered for fellowships, application materials must be submitted no later than December 15. Our PhD students are offered comprehensive financial support, including stipends, full tuition coverage, and health insurance.

Biography of Dr. Jiachen Zhang (https://sites.usc.edu/jzhang/)
Dr. Jiachen Zhang will be joining the University of Southern California (USC) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Spring 2024. Her research group will investigate the interactions of air quality, climate, and society, quantifying the impacts of strategies aimed at mitigating climate change and air pollution.
Dr. Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from USC and a B.S. in Atmospheric Sciences from Peking University. During her doctoral and postdoctoral studies, she utilized and enhanced various climate and air quality models to assess the environmental impacts of adopting solar reflective cool surfaces and promoting the adoption of renewable energy. Currently, Dr. Zhang is the manager of the Mobile Source Technology Assessment and Modeling Section at the California Air Resources Board, where she leads a team of scientists and engineers to conduct original research projects, develop emissions inventory, and inform first-of-their-kind policies aimed at promoting electric vehicles and reducing air pollution emissions. Additionally, she chairs the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Committee of the Chinese-American Engineers and Scientists Association of Southern California and serves as the secretary of the Air & Waste Management Association West Coast Section.

The University of Southern California (USC)
USC stands as a globally renowned private research university. Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, USC is in close proximity to leading technology firms, cutting-edge research institutions, and government agencies pioneering environmental regulations, offering a wealth of opportunities for collaborations and career prospects. Within USC, the Viterbi School of Engineering consistently attains top rankings with research expenditures typically exceeding $183 million annually, solidifying its reputation as a world-class institution for engineering education and research.


Jiachen Zhang, Ph.D.
Manager, Air Quality Plannning and Science Division, California Air Resources Board
Incoming Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California
Pronouns: she/her/hers

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