The Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas (KU) is inviting outstanding applicants for PhD and Master’s student positions starting in Spring 2026 and Fall 2026. Selected candidates will join the Nan Computational Chemistry & Engineering Lab, directed by Dr. Yiling Nan, to work on cutting-edge research in sustainable energy solutions.
Research Focus
The lab combines advanced computational techniques to address real-world energy and environmental challenges, including:
- Molecular Dynamics (MD)
- Quantum Mechanics (QM) Simulations
- Machine Learning Methods
Applications of this work include lithium-ion batteries, high-salinity water treatment, separation processes, and the development of Drude polarizable force fields.
Candidate Profile
Ideal candidates should have:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related fields.
- A strong interest in computational chemistry, modeling, or data science.
- (Optional) Coding experience in Python, C/C++, or Fortran.
- High motivation to learn and collaborate.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email Dr. Yiling Nan (yiling.nan@ku.edu) with:
- A CV/Resume
- A cover letter describing research interests and motivation
Also Read: UJALA African Scholars Program 2026 Fully Funded Opportunity
Admission Options for International Students
The University of Kansas offers multiple pathways for international students:
- Full-time enrollment for students who meet English proficiency requirements.
- Degree-seeking admission with concurrent English language courses at the Applied English Center (AEC).
- Non-degree English language study or short-term academic programs like the Jayhawk Semester.
Transfer and Readmission Policies
Transfer students must submit transcripts from all previous institutions, and students seeking readmission should provide official records of post-KU academic activity. Deadlines vary by term, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
