PhD in Electrochemistry at Washington University

There are two PhD positions available at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) for Fall 2027 to conduct research in the field of electrochemistry. The positions are offered by the EECE PhD program in the McKelvey School of Engineering.

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Students with a chemical engineering background are especially welcome to apply for these positions.

Opportunity at a Glance

Positions available: 2 PhD students
Start date: Fall 2027
Research area: Electrochemistry-related projects
Program: PhD in Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering (EECE)
Institution: Washington University in St. Louis, McKelvey School of Engineering
Preferred background: Chemical engineering, preferably with electrochemistry experience
Contact: Prof. Feng Jiao – [email protected]

About PhD in Electrochemistry

The lab group is seeking enthusiastic PhD students to join our electrochemistry-based research projects in the EECE department. Research may include electrochemical energy devices, electrode reactions, catalysis, and other chemical engineering topics.

Those who are interested in electrochemistry, sustainable energy, and new materials are encouraged to get in touch. EECE program at WashU is interdisciplinary and combines studies from chemical, environmental, and energy engineering. Multiscale and Electrochemical Engineering Research in EECE at WashU includes studies on batteries, fuel cells, capacitors, electrolyzers, and electrocatalysis.

Who Should Apply for a PhD in Electrochemistry?

This program is particularly suited to those that have:

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemical engineering or a field closely allied with it.
Experience through research or coursework in electrochemistry.
Interest in topics like batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis, electrocatalysis, supercapacitors, corrosion, or electrochemical materials.
Good skills in experimentation, analysis, and quantification.
Motivation to do Ph.D. research in the USA.

Students who are not majoring in Electrochemistry, but come from related fields, such as materials science, chemistry, environmental engineering, and other engineering fields, may also be taken into consideration.

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Why WashU EECE?

WashU’s EECE PhD provides a research-oriented curriculum for those who want to specialize in energy, environment, and chemical engineering. The doctoral study program in this department entails rotating around labs in the first semester so that students can get acquainted with the laboratories.

It should be noted that WashU asserts that its PhD students have full financial aid that covers tuition fees and health insurance. Interested candidates must obtain relevant information about admission and funding from the EECE page on the Web.

How to Express Interest for PhD in Electrochemistry

Interested applicants should contact Professor Feng Jiao via email at:

[email protected]

When sending an email, use a clear subject line such as:

Prospective PhD Applicant — Fall 2027 — Electrochemistry

In the email, briefly introduce yourself and include the following:

The degree program you are currently pursuing, along with your institute name and expected graduation year.
Your research interests and any experience you have in the field of electrochemistry.
Technical skills like electrochemical characterization techniques, battery or supercapacitor characterization, electrode synthesis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, etc.
Your CV in PDF format.
Academic transcripts, if available.
Link to your publication, preprint, poster, or research portfolio.

The email should be brief, professional, and tailored to your electrochemistry background. It is much more effective than a general question.

Apply Through the EECE PhD Program

It is important to reach out to the professor. However, applicants have to make sure to officially apply to the WashU EECE PhD program. For that, applicants should gather all the necessary documents required for admission to the McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate program. These usually include a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc.

The statement of purpose should clearly state:

Reasons for pursuing a PhD in electrochemistry.
Your prior research experience and technical skills.
Why WashU EECE and this research group is an excellent choice.
Your future academic or career aspirations.

As suggested by WashU, applicants need to provide a brief statement of purpose which would be one to two pages long and should cover their goals and research experience(s).

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Application Tips

Contact the professor as soon as possible rather than contacting them close to the deadline.
Mention your practical experience in electrochemistry in both your email and CV.
Describe how your past work relates to electrochemical energy, materials, or chemical engineering problems.
Proofread your email, CV, and statement of purpose thoroughly.
Visit the official EECE at WashU website for application requirements and deadlines.

Contact and Further Information

Faculty contact: Prof. Feng Jiao
Email: [email protected]
Program: PhD in Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
School: McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis
Official program page: WashU EECE PhD Program
Graduate admissions: WashU McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Admissions

If you happen to be a chemical engineering student interested in electrochemistry who wishes to start your doctoral work in Fall 2027, this is the perfect chance for you. You can contact Prof. Jiao at [email protected] along with an impressive introductory message and resume.

FAQs: PhD Opportunities in Electrochemistry at WashU

1. How many PhD positions are available?

There are two openings for PhD positions starting Fall 2027 in the research group of Professor Feng Jiao, Washington University in St. Louis.

2. What is the research focus?

These positions will be for research projects in electrochemistry in the EECE Ph.D. program. Applicants who have an interest in electrochemical energy storage systems, electrode reactions, catalysis, batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis or related subjects are welcomed to get in touch with the team.

3. Who is eligible to apply for PhD in Electrochemistry?

The program is mostly for students with a background in chemical engineering. Students in any related field such as materials science, chemistry, environmental engineering or other engineering courses may apply too provided that they are well-prepared in electrochemistry.

4. Is prior electrochemistry experience required?

Hands-on electrochemistry experience is highly valued though not strictly necessary. Applicants with experience in electrochemical measurements, battery or capacitor evaluation, electrodes preparation, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, corrosion or similar research will have an advantage over others.

5. When is the expected start date for PhD in Electrochemistry?

The expected start date is Fall 2027.

6. How do I express interest in the position?

Email Prof. Feng Jiao at [email protected]. Use a clear subject line such as:

Prospective PhD Applicant — Fall 2027 — Electrochemistry

Please include an introduction, your areas of interest, your experience, and your CV. If possible, please attach a copy of your transcript or link to your published research work.

7. What should I include in my email?

Keep your email short and customized. It should include:

Name, current degree, institution, and year of graduation.
Areas of research interest and experience in electrochemistry.
Technical and research skills.
Curriculum vitae in PDF format.
Links to transcripts, papers, preprints, or research portfolio, if applicable.

8. Does contacting the professor guarantee admission?

No. It is vital to contact Prof. Jiao, but that alone does not suffice as an application. In addition, you must formally apply to the WashU EECE PhD Program using the McKelvey School of Engineering’s Graduate Admissions procedure.

9. What documents are required for the formal application?

Applicants are encouraged to have their application documents ready for WashU’s graduate admissions, which usually consist of:

Online application form
Statement of purpose
Academic transcripts
Letters of recommendation
CV or résumé
Any additional materials specified by the program

Check the WashU EECE and graduate admissions websites for the most up-to-date requirements.

10. What should I write in my statement of purpose?

Please include your reasons for pursuing a PhD in electrochemistry, any research experience you have in this field, and your technical skills. Also, please indicate why WashU EECE and Prof. Jiao’s lab are a good fit for you. WashU suggests that you write a brief statement, one to two pages in length, concentrating on your objectives and fit with the program and one to three research experiences.

11. Is funding available?

According to WashU, their PhD students are fully funded in terms of tuition fees and health care. Applicants can inquire further about the funding details of such opportunities from Prof. Jiao and on the official EECE program webpage.

12. Can international students apply?

Yes, international applicants are usually encouraged to apply to U.S. PhD programs, such as WashU EECE. International applicants should check the visa, English-language proficiency, transcript, and application requirements at the official WashU graduate admissions website.

13. What makes a strong applicant?

A strong applicant typically has:

Knowledge in chemical engineering or similar fields.
Experience in electrochemistry or willingness to work in this field.
Laboratory skills for analysis.
Good written email and statement of purpose.
Good academic transcripts and references.
Connection between their research experiences and the field of electrochemistry of the group.

14. When should I contact Prof. Jiao?

As soon as possible. By contacting the professor long before the deadline for your application, you have time to talk about how suitable you are and get your application completed.

15. Where can I find more information about the PhD in Electrochemistry?

Please visit the official WashU EECE PhD Program web page and McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Admissions web page. For inquiries regarding this particular opportunity, please reach out to Prof. Feng Jiao at [email protected].