phd programs for chemical engineering

Ph.D./Sc.D. Program

The Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering are identical; students may choose for themselves the appellation they prefer. This traditional, research-based doctoral degree program provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of chemical engineering, as well as an intensive research experience.

The Doctor of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering are identical degree programs. Degree candidates may choose to be called a “doctor of philosophy” or a “doctor of science”.

The degree requires that you complete:

• the core curriculum in chemical engineering
• one chemical engineering H Level class
• the departmental biology requirement
• a minor program of related subjects outside of chemical engineering
• written and oral doctoral qualifying examinations
• the writing and oral defense of a thesis on original research

The core curriculum is:

• Numerical Methods in Chemical Engineering 10.34
• Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 10.40
• Analysis of Transport Phenomena 10.50
• Chemical Reactor Engineering 10.65

The departmental biology requirement is fulfilled by completing an undergraduate subject equivalent to MIT 7.01x, either at MIT or at your undergraduate institution. Examples of minor programs for some recent doctoral students include applied mathematics, control theory, physical, organic or analytical chemistry, mechanical structure, power systems, process metallurgy, nuclear engineering, management, economics, music, ancient history and philosophy.

The normal duration of the degree program is five to six years. (Including an intermediate M.S. CEP degree normally has little effect on the duration.) A master’s degree is not required for entrance into the doctoral program, nor is the M.S. CEP required.

For incoming, first-year graduate students, academic advisors are members of the Committee for Graduate Students. When you select a research topic and begin your thesis, the research supervisor becomes your academic advisor. In general, students choose research advisors at the end of their first Fall semester at MIT. Should you wish to choose a research advisor from a department other than Chemical Engineering, you will also need to choose a co-advisor from the Chemical Engineering faculty.

Prior to Registration Day (Fall and Spring semesters), your subject selection must first be approved by your advisor before the Graduate Officer can authorize registration on Registration Day. Advisor approval should also be obtained for any subsequent subject add/drop actions during the term (no additional authorization by the Graduate Officer is required).

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Chemical Engineering, Ph.D.

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Chemical engineering is part of a rapidly expanding field that requires interdisciplinary engineers educated in both the molecular and medical sciences. For every discovery made in the health and industrial sectors, a chemical engineer finds a way to develop and implement it on a large scale.

The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program at the School of Engineering prepares you to fulfill that role. Our curriculum offers an advanced course of study to refine your research skills, and we teach you the problem-solving skills to surmount any problem along the way.

Our Ph.D. program in Chemical Engineering is designed to outfit you with expert knowledge of the field’s core fundamentals as well as the latest research in its subtopics. By doing so, we further your specialization beyond a master’s degree, helping you achieve superior competence in a minor topic within chemical engineering.

Admission Requirements

A BS degree in chemical engineering or a related field of science or engineering is generally required for admission to graduate study. If you earned a bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution, you must submit TOEFL scores. Submitting graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. Applicants with degrees in other fields or from other colleges may be admitted with undergraduate or graduate deficiencies as evaluated by the graduate adviser. You will need to have had at least one course in differential equations.

Find out more about  Admission Requirements .

Urban Science Doctoral Track

Each doctoral candidate must complete a minimum of 75 credits of academic work past the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 36 credits of dissertation research, to complete the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program. A minimum of 30 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree (not including Ph.D. dissertation and non-dissertation research credits) are required in chemical engineering or related subjects. Of the 30 credits, 12 are to be taken as part of the required graduate core courses in Chemical Engineering and 18 are taken as electives. For electives: at least 3 electives (9 credits) are to be chosen from approved CBE courses, 6000-level and above. The remaining electives need to be selected in consultation with and with the explicit approval from the chemical engineering graduate adviser. In addition to the required coursework, attendance is required at departmental colloquia.

Students must also pass a comprehensive qualifying examination in chemical engineering and present a doctoral dissertation. The qualifying exam is given once a year. Additional details on the qualifying examination will be provided by the graduate adviser.

To meet graduation requirements, students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, excluding dissertation credits, and must not obtain a grade of C or lower in more than two required core courses.

A student who has earned graduate level credits and/or been awarded an MS degree should consult with the graduate adviser for course registration and possible credit transfer.

Important Information and Forms:

• Ph.D. Guidelines
• Committee Form
• Evaluation Rubric  
• PhD Exit Survey

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Ph.D. in chemical engineering

• Ph.D. program requirements
• Application mentorship program

Advance your career by developing groundbreaking solutions to worldwide issues, including health, sustainability, and energy. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering program at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) provides unmatched opportunities to investigate captivating areas at the intersection of technology and society.

Graduate admission

With a chemical engineering Ph.D. from CMU, you will be an independent researcher equipped to apply chemical engineering principles and advanced analytical and experimental techniques to pose and solve open-ended research problems. Complete your degree in four to five years and prepare for a career in academia, industry, or government research.

CMU's College of Engineering ranks fifth in the U.S. News & World Report list of best graduate engineering programs,  with our chemical engineering programs ranked 14th. Explore our Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and advance your career in this vital, innovative field.

Why earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon?

Make world-changing discoveries.

CMU's chemical engineering Ph.D. program empowers you to conduct leading-edge research that tackles critical global challenges. The world-renowned faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering leads the way in advancing impactful solutions for our world.

The department's research areas include:

• Air quality and climate
• Energy, decarbonization, and sustainability
• Process systems engineering
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical engineering
• Catalysis and surface science
• Soft materials and complex fluids

Learn in a collaborative, collegial research environment

We strive to foster a research environment that leads to fresh perspectives and trailblazing results. The faculty actively engages with colleagues across various departments at CMU and beyond. This interconnected approach enables CMU Ph.D. students to seek guidance from faculty with different areas of expertise to find novel solutions.

This collaborative ethos also extends to our facilities. The chemical engineering department has adopted an open plan for its laboratories, so students can easily share equipment and exchange ideas for new breakthroughs.

Finally, we encourage Ph.D. candidates to go beyond chemical engineering courses to select electives in related engineering and science disciplines. Cross-disciplinary studies help amplify the breadth and depth of scholarship while aligning with research goals.

Advance the state-of-the-art with your Ph.D. thesis

Our chemical engineering Ph.D. program empowers you to author and defend a thesis that advances scholarship in the field through original research. You will work closely with a faculty advisor who meets with you regularly to guide you.

You will analyze and communicate your findings in a substantive thesis and defend it before a thesis committee. You may even publish parts or all of your thesis in scientific journals or present them at conferences.

Through this rigorous process, you develop into an independent and innovative chemical engineering researcher ready to take on new challenges and make discoveries in academia or industry.

Join a supportive community for doctoral students

Our Ph.D. students hail from the United States and around the globe, and we prioritize ensuring students feel welcome in our department, whether through research groups or departmental gatherings. This culture helps students form lifelong friendships and professional connections with fellow graduate students.

Many students also join the Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association (ChEGSA).  This student-run organization helps peers bond through seminars, socials, and networking events. It also hosts the ChEGSA Symposium, a two-day event where graduate students present their ongoing research and make networking connections with industry guests and alumni.

Meet chemical engineering Ph.D. students

Mariah L. Arral

Arral honored as one of AIChE’s 35 Under 35

Robert MacKnight

Student spotlight: Robert MacKnight

Studying microbes in marine environments and microcapsules

Curriculum for the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering

The Ph.D. program takes four to five years to complete, depending on prior education experience.

• Direct Entry students have a bachelor's degree and can fulfill all Ph.D. requirements in four years plus two semesters.
• Advanced Entry students have a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering or similar and can complete the Ph.D. program in four years or less.

Students take advanced courses in chemical engineering and can choose to take other engineering courses in the College of Engineering . In addition, students take a Qualifying Exam and write a Research Proposal that prepares them to write and defend their Ph.D. thesis.

Learn more about the chemical engineering Ph.D. program requirements.

Meet the Department of Chemical Engineering faculty

Ph.D. students work alongside CMU’s world-class professors.

Meet the faculty

Careers and outcomes for chemical engineering Ph.D. students

A Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon opens up an expansive world of opportunity in research. Our graduates secure rewarding careers advancing innovations at leading companies and laboratories.

In 2020-2023, CMU Ph.D. graduates found roles at:

• Air Products & Chemicals
• AstraZeneca
• Boston Consulting Group
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Northwestern University
• Princeton University
• University of California, Santa Barbara
• University of Wisconsin

Job titles for our doctorate graduates include:

• AI researcher
• Postdoctoral fellow or researcher
• Research engineer
• Research scientist
• Senior data scientist
• Senior engineer
• Senior research specialist

Median salary* : $120,000

*Based on survey results from program graduates

See more post-graduation salaries and destination information for recent CMU Ph.D. students.

Chemical engineering program Ph.D. funding

The Department of Chemical Engineering pays tuition and stipends for all full-time Ph.D. students who make sufficient progress toward degree completion. Students are required to pay for books and course supplies.

A Direct Entry student is supported for up to fourteen semesters (including summer semesters), and Advanced Entry students are supported for up to twelve semesters (including summer semesters).

At CMU, we welcome applicants of different backgrounds to apply to our chemical engineering Ph.D. program. That's why ChEGSA offers an application mentorship program that pairs prospective students with a current ChemE graduate student.

Students work one-on-one with mentors to:

• Discuss your academic journey and goals
• Ask for tips on organizing application materials
• Receive constructive feedback on your CV and essays
• Get any questions answered about the program or application process

You also receive an application fee waiver for participating in the program.

Learn more about the application mentorship program.

See how current Ph.D. students have benefited from the program .

Admissions and application deadlines

Learn more about the admissions process

• Ph.D. program information sessions
• Graduate admissions FAQs

To apply to CMU's Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program, you should have:

• completed a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related engineering or science discipline at an accredited university OR
• completed a master's degree in chemical engineering or a related engineering or science discipline at an accredited university

The Ph.D. program admits students for the fall and spring semesters.

• Fall term of entry deadline : December 15
• Spring term of entry deadline : September 1

Take the next step toward earning your chemical engineering Ph.D.

Gain expertise to advance scholarship and transform society through Carnegie Mellon University's Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering program. Our research-intensive curriculum, cross-disciplinary thinking, and world-class faculty mentors empower you to pioneer solutions to global challenges.

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PhD in Chemical Engineering

The graduate program in chemical engineering offers students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research that tackles pressing challenges facing our society and our planet in areas such as biomedicine, energy, security, and sustainability. Students also develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of chemical engineering through core coursework and applied electives. The overarching goal of this rich research and educational experience is to mentor and to equip our students to become future leaders in engineering and science, while simultaneously promoting scholarly achievement for both the faculty and students.

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Innovative Curriculum

Doctoral candidates are able to select thesis topics from a diverse range of faculty research interests. The department’s research focus areas are Biomolecular and Biomedical Systems; Complex and Computational Systems; Energy and Sustainability; Engineering Education and Pedagogy; and Materials and Nanotechnology. With a premier location in downtown Boston, research in the department leverages the wealth of collaborations with neighboring universities, hospitals, medical centers and industry. New or prospective graduate students can learn about ongoing research topics from individual faculty members, faculty web sites and graduate student seminars. Graduate student seminars, where our students present the results of their research, are held on a regular basis and provide an interactive forum for learning and exchanging ideas.

• ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems.
• ability to explain and apply engineering design principles, as appropriate to the program’s educational objectives.
• Use appropriate methods to analyze research data and interpret the findings.
• Effectively communicate the work to its intended audiences, through professional written and oral communication skills.
• Define research objectives.
• Choose and use appropriate research methods to achieve the defined objectives.
• Critically analyze one’s own research work and existing scholarship in the field, including identifying gaps in knowledge.
• Barrett Smith, PhD’24
• Zach Rogers, PhD'23
• Caterina Bartomeu Garcia, PhD’22
• Abhijeet Parvatker, PhD’21
• Learn more.
• Scholarship Report

Experiential Learning

Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real-world engineering challenges including industry experience as part of the co-op program or an internship. The Cooperative Education Program , also known as a “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a Co-op Program for graduate students. Through this program, students gain professional experience employed in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum. Northeastern has over 3,000 co-op employer partners in a wide variety of organizations, from large companies to entrepreneurial start-ups. Students can also participate in the university’s Experiential PhD program .

Academic Advising

The Academic Advisors in the Graduate Student Services office can help answer many of your questions and assist with various concerns regarding your program and student record. Use the link below to also determine which questions can be answered by your Faculty Program Advisors and OGS Advisors.

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Admissions & Aid

Ready to take the next step? Review degree requirements to see courses needed to complete this degree. Then, explore ways to fund your education. Finally, review admissions information to see our deadlines and gather the materials you need to Apply.

Student News

Researching Data for Life-Cycle Assessments and Chemical Sustainability

CEE Associate Professor Matthew Eckelman and Abhijeet Parvatker, PhD’21, chemical engineering, collaborated on research about how the health care industry contributes to national and global emissions. This research later led Parvatker to pursue a consultant managing role at Sphera Solutions.

2024 Lux. Veritas. Virtus. Inductees

Twenty-three engineering graduate students were inducted into the newly established Lux. Veritas. Virtus. society, a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional graduate students who exemplify the university’s mission, ideals, and values.

‘Emerging Investigators’ Are Studying Flow of Soft Materials Through Tiny Spaces

ChE Assistant Professor Sara Hashmi and Barrett Smith, PhD’24, chemical engineering, were recognized as part of the “Emerging Investigators” series of the Royal Society of Chemistry journal Soft Matter. Smith was first author of their paper, “In Situ Polymer Gelation in Confined Flow Controls Intermittent Dynamics,” which uncovers novel flow behavior in crosslinking biopolymers.

COE Research Expo Displays Promising Work of PhD Students

The College of Engineering held a research expo to highlight the work of PhD students. Participants presented their research to a panel of judges and gained critical presentation and communication skills. They also displayed their research during the poster showcase and students were recognized with awards.

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Graduate Programs in Chemical Engineering

Whether you want to pursue a technical career in chemical engineering, focus on research, or enter into a position in academia, you'll be able to define your path here.

Choose one of three graduate programs offered by CBE: the Master of Engineering, the Master of Science, or the PhD in chemical and biomolecular engineering.

Why Cornell chemical engineering?

Stand-out facilities, leading faculty and research, Cornell connections, and a culture of collegiality.

CBE is part of the College of Engineering at Cornell University, an institution that was founded more than 150 years ago with the mission of making the world a better place. As part of the Ivy League, Cornell has a rich history of scientific discovery and human connection. 

At CBE, you’ll find accessible faculty who work and teach in top-notch labs and facilities. You’ll have access to Cornell’s vast networks of researchers and professionals. And you’ll be among faculty and other graduate students who are just as passionate about the field as you are—and who will work alongside you as you accomplish your goals.

Learn more about CBE’s graduate programs

From research and seminars to coursework and extracurriculars—CBE’s graduate programs will help you develop your professional, scholarly, and leadership attributes.

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

Earn a master of engineering in chemical and biomolecular engineering in one year. This program will enhance your technical skills and prepare you for a valuable career in industry with the option to choose one of four specializations.

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Energy Economics and Engineering
• Process Design Optimization
• Graduate Student Experience
• M.Eng. Admissions
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Master of Science (M.S.)

If you aim to progress toward a doctorate or work in a non-academic research position, this two-year, research-based master of science in chemical and biomolecular engineering degree program could be a good fit for you.

• M.S. Admissions

Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

Pursue original research and prepare for a career in academia. Complete CBE’s Ph.D. program in four to five years while you collaborate with Cornell’s leaders in the field of chemical engineering.

• Ph.D. Admissions

Why pursue a graduate degree in chemical engineering?

Chemical engineering touches every aspect of life. The world needs chemical engineers to find new technologies and approaches to solve challenges associated with oil and gas processing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, the environment, and more.

Think about it: Medicine, food, consumer products, energy, fuel—the most basic chemical products and processes that exist within these areas are continuously improved by practicing chemical engineers who apply research of their own and of their academic counterparts. A graduate degree will move you toward leadership positions in the industry and give you the experience you need to make meaningful research contributions.

Learn more about CBE's research areas:

• Biomolecular Engineering
• Complex Fluids and Polymers
• Computational Science and Engineering
• Nanoscale Electronics, Photonics and Materials Processing
• Sustainable Energy Systems 
• Engineering Education

Highlighted statistics from the Graduate Program!

Chemical Engineering Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 145 results

MIT School of Engineering

• Cambridge, MA ·
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology ·
• Graduate School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

Stanford School of Engineering

• Stanford, CA ·
• Stanford University ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Stanford University ,

STANFORD, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The best part about coming to Stanford are the people and the ability to find a group of friends who are interested in the same things that you may be very interested in . Coming from India, there... Overall the professors are great and are leafing professionals in their respective fields doing some of the most fascinating research in the world. I would highly anyone to come here to experience... .

Read 3 reviews.

Princeton University

• Princeton, NJ ·
• · Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

PRINCETON, NJ ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help... .

Swanson School of Engineering

• University of Pittsburgh ·
• Graduate School ·
• PITTSBURGH, PA

Clarkson University

• POTSDAM, NY
• · Rating 3.88 out of 5   41

University of Wyoming

• LARAMIE, WY
• · Rating 4.42 out of 5   24

School of Engineering and Applied Science - University of Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA ·
• University of Pennsylvania ·

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

George R. Brown School of Engineering

• Houston, TX ·
• Rice University ·

Blue checkmark.

Rice University ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

• Evanston, IL ·
• Northwestern University ·

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability is a first of its kind professionally focused master's program in the nation. Interdisciplinary by design, MSES covers the technical,... .

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Vanderbilt School of Engineering

• Nashville, TN ·
• Vanderbilt University ·

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

McKelvey School of Engineering

• St. Louis, MO ·
• Washington University in St. Louis ·

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering - California Institute of Technology

• Pasadena, CA ·
• California Institute of Technology ·

California Institute of Technology ,

PASADENA, CA ,

College of Engineering - University of Notre Dame

• Notre Dame, IN ·
• University of Notre Dame ·

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

Institute for Molecular Engineering - University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL ·
• University of Chicago ·

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

Viterbi School of Engineering

• Los Angeles, CA ·
• University of Southern California ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Best experience is that I have the ability to engage with other students and my professors in real time. My worst experience would have to be; moments of not being able to hear what is being talked about during a lecture due to classroom audio issues. .

Read 2 reviews.

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• Telecommunications Engineering Graduate Programs
• Engineering Mechanics Graduate Programs

Cornell Engineering

• Ithaca, NY ·
• Cornell University ·

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

University of Michigan College of Engineering

• Ann Arbor, MI ·
• University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ·

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

Tufts University School of Engineering

• Medford, MA ·
• Tufts University ·

Tufts University ,

MEDFORD, MA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says The application process was smooth and post-acceptance I was welcomed into the Tufts community. So far, Tufts has been very communicative, especially about the return to school during the Covid-19... .

Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science

• University of California - Los Angeles ·

University of California - Los Angeles ,

Whiting School of Engineering

• Baltimore, MD ·
• Johns Hopkins University ·
• · Rating 4.83 out of 5   12 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

12 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Just starting now but the onboarding process is great! The student orientation was very helpful and the school has an amazing network. .

Read 12 reviews.

College of Engineering - Carnegie Mellon University

• Pittsburgh, PA ·
• Carnegie Mellon University ·
• · Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says If you are interested in research, CMU Engineering is an excellent option with newly built state of the art laboratories. There isn't much individual attention though, so be prepared to find... .

Read 5 reviews.

University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science

• Charlottesville, VA ·
• University of Virginia ·

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says The academic program is very diverse to provide in-depth knowledge in various fields. The content is up-to-date with current developments, and the class requirements are somewhat challenging;... .

Georgia Tech College of Engineering

• Atlanta, GA ·
• Georgia Institute of Technology ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Georgia Institute of Technology ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part is sitting through top professors of the world’s lecture! The worst part is the time of classes! They are offered in the middle of the day! .

Read 1 reviews.

UC Berkeley College of Chemistry

• Berkeley, CA ·
• University of California - Berkeley ·

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

Northeastern University College of Engineering

• Boston, MA ·
• Northeastern University ·

Northeastern University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says BEST PARTS OF THIS PROGRAM OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA ANALYTICS ENGINEERING IN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FROM NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY IS THAT, THIS PROGRAM IS ONLINE, AND FLEXIBLE AND TIME RESTRICTION... .

Tandon School of Engineering

• Brooklyn, NY ·
• New York University ·
• · Rating 4.73 out of 5   15 reviews

New York University ,

BROOKLYN, NY ,

15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says As a bioinformatics master's student at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, I've had the opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of biology and computer science. The program has... The faculty at Tandon are experienced and supportive, and I've had the chance to collaborate with fellow students on exciting research projects. The interdisciplinary nature of bioinformatics has... Overall, my experience at NYU Tandon has been enriching, and I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills acquired during my master's program to contribute meaningfully to the field of... .

Read 15 reviews.

Cockrell School of Engineering

• Austin, TX ·
• University of Texas - Austin ·
• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The engineering school is a vibrant and encourages the learning aspect in students. It has all the facilities a student might need conveniently located in the buildings from libraries, workshops,... .

P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science

• Bethlehem, PA ·
• Lehigh University ·

Lehigh University ,

BETHLEHEM, PA ,

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

• Mississippi State University ·
• MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS
• BETHLEHEM, PA

Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering

• Clarkson University ·

Showing results 1 through 25 of 145

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering PhD

At Berkeley, graduate work in chemical and biomolecular engineering emphasizes the excitement of original research in frontier areas of applied science. Graduate students may pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering, or they may apply to the Product Development concentration to obtain an MS in Chemical Engineering . While formal courses are necessary to provide scientific fundamentals and intellectual breadth, the primary characteristic of Berkeley's graduate experience is to participate in the quest for new knowledge. Graduate students and faculty collaborate as partners in scholarship, in learning, and in intellectual discovery.

Master's Program

Professional degree in product development program (ms).

The PDP is a graduate-level degree program whose central aim is to fill the unmet need at national and international levels for graduates of chemical engineering and related disciplines who have knowledge and field experience in the complex process of transforming technical innovations into commercially successful products. In the space of one calendar year, PDP graduates will gain exposure to real-world product development practices in a range of chemical process-intensive industries including biotechnology, microelectronics, nanoscience, and consumer products (concentrations within the program). The PDP does not require a research thesis, but students will find completing the extensive coursework and field study assignment challenging. By combining elements of advanced technical knowledge with focused business-related training, the PDP aims to fill a specific niche in the choice space of graduate education options for engineering graduates.

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Focusing on Chemical Engineering core courses and higher division electives this highly competitive program will test students on a) transport phenomena; b) kinetics and chemical fundamentals; and c) thermodynamics at the end of the first semester.

PhD Program

The PhD program is designed to enlarge the body of knowledge of the student and, more importantly, to discover and develop talent for original, productive, and creative work in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Breadth of knowledge and professional training are achieved through advanced course work. To develop the creative talents of the student, a paramount emphasis in the PhD program is placed on intensive research, a project on which students work closely with one or more members of the faculty.

PhD students may choose to add a designated emphasis (DE) to their program. A designated emphasis is a specialization, such as a new method of inquiry or an important field of application, which is relevant to two or more existing doctoral degree programs. Designated emphases open to students in this PhD program include Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NSE), Energy Sciences and Technology (DEEST), Communication, Computation and Statistics, Computational and Genomic Biology, and New Media.

M.S. in Bioprocess Engineering

The Master of Bioprocess Engineering (MBPE) program is designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to integrate classroom fundamentals, hands-on laboratory applications, and heavy interaction with a range of biotechnology companies spanning the biopharmaceutical, industrial biotech, and food tech industries."

Contact Info

[email protected]

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Chemistry & Biomolecular Engineering

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

The PhD program in chemical engineering offers students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research that tackles pressing challenges facing our society and our planet in areas such as biomedicine, energy, security and sustainability.

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Students pursuing graduate-level coursework develop an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of chemical engineering and gain expertise in modern topics in the field through select elective courses. The overarching goal of this rich research and educational experience is to mentor and to equip our students to become future leaders in engineering and science, while simultaneously promoting scholarly achievement for both the faculty and students.

Doctoral candidates select thesis topics from a diverse range of faculty research interests. The department’s research focus areas are Biomolecular and Biomedical Systems; Complex and Computational Systems; Energy and Sustainability; Engineering Education and Pedagogy; and Materials and Nanotechnology.

With a premier location in downtown Boston, research in the department leverages the wealth of collaborations with neighboring universities, hospitals, medical centers and industry. New or prospective graduate students can learn about ongoing research topics from individual faculty members, faculty web sites and graduate student seminars. Graduate student seminars, where our students present the results of their research, are held on a regular basis and provide an interactive forum for learning and exchanging ideas.

• MS students can pursue a Gordon Engineering Leadership Certificate
• Department research interests include Biomolecular and Biomedical Systems; Complex and Computational Systems; Energy and Sustainability; Engineering Education and Pedagogy; and Materials and Nanotechnology. Graduate students are able to select thesis topics from a diverse range of faculty research interests.

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Millipore Sigma
• Northrop Grumman
• Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Application Materials

• Completed online application form
• $100 application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Statement of Purpose
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

Application

PhD Priority: December 15

International outside US: June 1

International inside US: July 1

Domestic: August 1

• Program Website

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PhD Program Requirements

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The Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering is awarded after completing a minimum of 135 units of graduate work, satisfactory completion of any additional university requirements, and the following departmental requirements. Completion of an MS degree is not a prerequisite for beginning, pursuing, or completing doctoral work.

Unit and course requirements

A minimum of 135 completed units is required, including a minimum of 39 units, consisting of 36 coursework units and 3 colloquium units. These 36 units consist of 15 units of CHEMENG core courses listed below, 6 units of CHEMENG 400-level courses, 9 additional units of graduate-level science & engineering lecture elective courses, and 6 units of flexible elective courses consisting of any course that the student and their advisor feels will further their research. CHEMENG 699 should be taken each quarter; its units count toward the required 135 units. The research units for CHEMENG 399 are included in the 135 total, but may not be counted toward the 36 unit requirement. The following courses are required:

These courses are to be taken at Stanford. Any petition to substitute another graduate-level course for any of these core courses must be approved by the department chair. The remaining graduate-level science and engineering lecture courses may be chosen from any department. A student may petition the department chair for approval to include an upper-division undergraduate science or engineering lecture course. All proposals for PhD course work must be approved by the student’s adviser and the department chair or his/her designee. Students working with a research advisor should enroll each quarter in the 500 series, 600 and 699 as appropriate and as study list unit limits permit. Students with questions or issues should see departmental graduate student services.

Predoctoral students may petition to have an MS degree program added to their university record; see departmental student services and submit them in a Graduate Authorization petition in Axess. Once a petition is approved, the MS candidate must complete a Program Proposal for a Master’s Degree form and submit it to student services. Students may apply in Axess for MS degree conferral upon completion of the requirements for this degree. The MS degree must be awarded within the university’s candidacy period for completion of a master’s degree.

Minimum grade requirement

Any course intended to satisfy the PhD degree requirements must be taken for a letter grade if offered. A GPA of 3.0 or above is required at the end of the second quarter (or, potentially, a petition approved by the student's research advisor, any required co-advisor, and the department chair). In any case, a GPA of 3.0 or above is required at the end of the third quarter in order to continue in the PhD program. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 must be maintained.

To be advanced to PhD candidacy, students must secure a research dissertation adviser (and any required co-adviser) and complete a PhD candidacy examination. First, the research adviser and any required co-adviser must be established by the end of the second quarter in the PhD program. Failure to do so leads to termination of a student's study toward a PhD in Chemical Engineering; however, the student may continue to work toward an MS degree. Failure to obtain a doctoral adviser precludes any financial aid beyond that already awarded for which the student is still eligible. Second, the PhD candidacy examination before a faculty committee at the end of the fourth quarter consists of (a) a student’s oral presentation of their thinking about their research proposal and current progress; and (b) an examination by faculty members of the proposal specifics as well as the student’s understanding of the fundamental chemical, physical and biological concepts that govern the molecular behavior of the system being studied. Upon successful completion of this examination, candidates must submit an Application for Candidacy for Doctoral Degree form, approved by their research adviser(s), to departmental graduate student services within two months.

Teaching requirement

Teaching experience is considered an essential component of predoctoral training because it assists in further developing and refining candidates' skills in conveying what they know, think, and conclude, based on articulated assumptions and knowledge. All PhD candidates, regardless of the source of their financial support, are required to assist in teaching a minimum of two chemical engineering courses.

Reading committee requirement

Reading committee meetings are intended to be discussion sessions, which help to focus and guide the dissertation project; they are not examinations. By the end of the second year, all PhD candidates must assemble reading committees and submit Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee forms signed by research advisers to student services. By the beginning of their third year (or by the end of their ninth quarter), candidates should have had an initial meeting with the full reading committee. The faculty strongly encourage doctoral candidates to take advantage of the benefits of ongoing, yearly, full reading committee meetings. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule committee meetings and the faculty to respond in a timely manner to scheduling requests.  Students should assist in the maintenance of degree progress records by reporting the committee meeting dates to the student services manager.

Research poster requirement

Experience in analyzing and presenting one’s research to diverse audiences is also an essential component of predoctoral training. Faculty strongly encourage candidates to do so several times each year, starting in the second year. All candidates in their third year are required to prepare and present a research poster during the annual Mason Lecturers week in the spring quarter.

Dissertation and oral defense requirements

A dissertation based on a successful investigation of a fundamental problem in chemical engineering is required. A student is expected to have fulfilled all the requirements for this degree, including the completion of a dissertation approved by his or her research adviser(s) and reading committee members within approximately five calendar years after enrolling in the PhD program. Upon adviser approval(s), copies of the dissertation's final draft must be distributed to each reading committee member. No sooner than three weeks after this distribution, a student may schedule an oral examination. This examination is a dissertation defense, based on the candidate’s dissertation research, and is in the form of a public seminar followed by a private examination by the faculty members on the student’s oral examination committee. Satisfactory performance in the oral examination and acceptance of an approved dissertation by Graduate Degree Progress, Office of the University Registrar, leads to PhD degree conferral.

PhD minor in Chemical Engineering

An application for a PhD minor must be approved by both the major and minor departments. A student desiring a PhD minor in Chemical Engineering must work with a minor program adviser who has a faculty appointment in Chemical Engineering. This adviser must be included as a member of the student’s reading committee for the doctoral dissertation, and the entire reading committee must meet at least once and at least one year prior to the scheduling of the student’s oral examination. The department strongly prefers that regular meetings of the full reading committee start no later than the third year of graduate study or when the student is admitted to PhD candidacy. Besides, the Chemical Engineering faculty member who is the minor adviser must be a member of the student’s university oral examination committee.

The PhD minor program must include at least 20 units of graduate-level lecture courses (numbered at the 200 level or above) but may not include any 1- to 2-unit lecture courses in the 20-unit minimum. The list of courses must form a coherent program and must be approved by the minor program adviser and the chair of this department. All minor courses must be taken for a letter grade, and a GPA of at least 3.0 must be earned for these courses.

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Academics   /   Graduate Study PhD in Chemical Engineering

The PhD program emphasizes advanced coursework, hands-on teaching experience, and world-class research at the forefront of the broad disciplines of chemical and biological engineering. Students are trained to become leaders in research and development in industrial and university settings. We also foster entrepreneurial research activities. PhD students work with top researchers who are organized in three areas: biotechnology, bioengineering, and complexity; materials and nanoengineering; and energy and sustainability. We encourage interdisciplinary research interactions, including through world-class research centers and training programs that have not only garnered the department a high national ranking, but have also led to attracting students from the most competitive institutions in the world.

Learn more about the department's research areas

Curriculum Apply now

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Download a PDF program guide about your program of interest, and get in contact with our graduate admissions staff.

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Training Programs

PhD students have the option of completing one of two training programs. Typically, students apply to both programs. If they are accepted by both, they must select one or the other.

The Biotechnology Training Program

The biotechnology training program is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental program that provides PhD students with greater research and training opportunities. It also promotes interdisciplinary education in biotechnology, interactions among faculty members and students with interests in biotechnology, and it exposes students to industrial biotechnology research.

Learn more about the biotechnology training program

The Chemistry of Life Processes Training Program

The chemistry of life processes training program integrates biology and chemistry through a common set of course requirements, a hands-on, team-based approach to laboratory training, a unique preceptor arrangement, and a strong communal training environment.

Learn more about the the chemistry of life processes training program

Career Paths

The department prepares PhD graduates for careers in academia, industry, and government. Students interested in academia are advised on how to formulate and tackle their own research questions, and they are extensively mentored in teaching. We have significant success in placing students in top departments nationwide.

A majority of graduates pursue careers in industry or government, including the full gamut of process and product research and development, consulting, finance, and managerial tracks across different industry sectors. The department’s industrial internship program frequently leads to offers for permanent employment.

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Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering

Engineering Physics Building Rm. 419

Chemical & Biological Engineering University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive Moscow, ID 83844

Phone: 208-885-6182

Fax: 208-885-7908

Email: [email protected]

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Ph.D. Biological Engineering

Career information is not specific to degree level. Some career options may require an advanced degree.

Current Job Openings and Salary Range

in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI

Entry-Level

Senior-Level

• Career Options
• Quality Control Systems Manager
• Biomedical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Health and Safety Engineer, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
• Conservation Scientist
• Engineering Teacher, Postsecondary
• Sales Engineer

Regional Employment Trends

Employment trends and projected job growth in ID, WA, OR, MT & HI

*Job data is collected from national, state and private sources. For more information, visit EMSI's data sources page .

• Degree Prep

View the Ph.D. Biological Engineering prerequisites, deadlines and contact information on the U of I Admissions website .

• Most applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in Biological Engineering from an accredited institution and demonstrate a strong background in the fundamentals of engineering.
• If your undergraduate degree is not in Biological Engineering, you will be required to complete background courses to remove deficiencies before beginning the graduate program.
• Degree Roadmap
• Depending on your interests, your academic adviser and graduate committee will help you develop a focused plan of study for the Ph.D. Biological Engineering degree.
• Programs normally consist of three years' work beyond the bachelor's degree.
• Bio-based products
• Biomaterials
• Bioprocessing
• Biotechnology
• Cell/tissue engineering
• Climate modeling
• Drug/gene delivery
• Environmental impact assessment
• Liquid plasma technology
• Nanotechnology
• Neural imaging
• Precision agriculture
• Waste water treatment
• Water management

View current Biological Engineering courses Catalogs are released each year with up-to-date course listings. Students reference the catalog released during their first year of enrollment. For catalog related questions, email [email protected] or call 208-885-6731.

• Degree Requirements
• Students are required to write a dissertation and give a final dissertation defense at the end of their degree program.
• Biological Engineering graduate requirements
• College of Graduate Studies requirements
• Professional Licensing

Completion of the program will count towards eligibility for the Professional Engineer's License (PE) to practice Engineering , which requires a four-year degree from an ABET-accredited school, four years of experience under a PE, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles of Practice in Engineering (PE) Exams.

For questions related to Biological Engineering degrees, please email [email protected] or call 208-885-6182.

• Funding Opportunities

The University of Idaho is awarded more than $100 million in annual grants, contracts and research appropriations.

• Idaho National Laboratory Graduate Fellowship Program – Recipients of this competitive fellowship receive full tuition and fees by U of I during their first three years of graduate school. INL covers tuition, fees, and a $60,000 annual salary during the final two years of their doctoral research, to be conducted at INL.
• NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) – $25,000 fellowship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Open to full-time graduate and doctoral students.
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP ) – For outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees.
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship – Three-year fellowship with full coverage of tuition and all mandatory fees, including a monthly stipend and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance.
• DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) Programs – RISE Professional offers summer research internships in Germany to Master’s and Ph.D. students at companies and non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry.
• Faculty provide funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty  to learn more about these funding opportunities.

For more funding options, visit the College of Graduate Studies’ funding website .

• Clubs & Organizations

Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Learn about clubs related to your major:

• American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers (ASABE)
• Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
• Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
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• Vandal Clean Energy Club
• Job Openings and Salary Range
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Biomedicine and Environmental Sustainability

Students completing this degree are well prepared to work in a research-oriented position, such as those at national laboratories, industries, or universities.

Availability

• No. 1 Best Value Public University in the West – ranked for the third year in a row by U.S. News and World Report . We’re also the only public university in Idaho to be ranked best value by Forbes , Money , and The Princeton Review .
• Highest Salary Earnings for early- and mid-career undergraduate degree recipients than any other public university in Idaho – Payscale
• Personalized Attention from nationally and internationally recognized faculty and staff through 1-on-1 interaction, mentorship, advising and research collaboration. All faculty hold Ph.D.s in their field.

Research That Matters

Science and Engineering students dive into research thanks to Beckman Scholars Award

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Making Strides in Tissue Engineering

According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 16 million reported tendon injuries in the U.S. each year. Research at U of I aims to better understand tendon tissue formation and engineer replacements and regenerative therapies.

Best Engineering Schools to Be Published June 18

Here's how U.S. News calculated rankings across 13 specialties, from chemical engineering to mechanical engineering.

New Best Engineering Rankings June 18

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On June 18, 2024, U.S. News will publish its 2024 Best Engineering Schools rankings, including an overall ranking of nearly 200 doctorate-granting schools of engineering. Rankings across 13 specialties, such as chemical engineering and mechanical engineering, will also be published.

In line with last year's revamped methodology, half of each school’s rank is based on research activity, while the remaining combined factors comprise the other half. U.S. News favors this approach because research productivity is a core attribute of a department enrolling doctoral students.

The increased research focus is in line with diversifying the underlying metrics used to measure engineering research so that each school’s ranking was not too dependent on a single measure.

To be clear, the total dollar amounts of external research expenditures at engineering schools are a reliable indicator of research activity. These metrics also reflect the American Society for Engineering Education's standardized definition , which includes only activity tied to grants and contracts budgeted for research from applicable external sources, including federal, state, local and foreign governments, industry, nonprofits and individuals.

Even so, total spending is not the only factor to consider when evaluating a school’s research activity. One limitation is that while these aggregated amounts signify the quantity of research an engineering school conducts, they inform less about the quality and impact of that research.

Bibliometric data helps with quality. How often publications are cited in other research, especially in top journals, indicates whether schools’ publications left favorable impressions. Consequently, U.S. News reduced by 10 percentage points the weight placed on research grants indicators, replacing them with the following four new bibliometric ranking factors: citations per publication, field weighted citation impact, and shares of publications cited in the top 5% and top 25% of the most-cited journals.

Citations per publication is the total number of citations divided by the total number of publications for each engineering school. Field-weighted citation impact is the citation impact per paper, normalized for each engineering field to account for some fields being more likely than others to be cited. The remaining two factors account for the extent publications appear in top journals.

The data reflects a five-calendar-year time span, 2019-2023, and were calculated and compiled by Elsevier, a global leader in information and analytics.

Note that all statistics are scaled, meaning they measure the impact of research produced rather than the quantity. This was done purposefully for a couple of reasons. First, it was in response to a 2023 ASEE survey of its members, many of whom suggested the rankings formula had been overleveraged on rewarding schools for their size. Second, this meant logical issues involving the publications that Elsevier attributed to each engineering school were not instrumental in how each school performed.

U.S. News and Elsevier made significant efforts to compile bibliometric statistics for each school based on comprehensive records that followed a standardized approach. The data was derived from how publications’ authors identified their school, research centers and lab affiliations. Specifically, Elsevier used advanced clustering technology to map affiliation text from five types of peer-reviewed documents – articles, conference papers, reviews, books and book chapters – to organizational identifiers.

In early May 2024, engineering schools were given a comprehensive list of affiliates and their name variants that Elsevier had mapped to their schools. Schools could offer additional name variants they believed were missing.

This approach was admittedly subject to the limitations of how faculty have identified their school affiliations in publications. But requiring an explicit identification to a school best ensured only relevant publications would be applied to the rankings. Other approaches fail this test.

For example, mapping publications using faculty names instead of school attribution, as some schools have proposed, would result in including publications that are not connected to the corresponding engineering school, in part because faculty may have changed institutions over a five-year period. Relying on 199 schools to self-report comparable information on eligible faculty would also undermine the benefit of using third-party data.

Finally, this is a ranking of engineering schools, not individuals working in engineering departments. This is why it’s important to focus on the affiliations of engineering schools. But as an acknowledgement that the roster of publications used in the rankings were subject to methodological approach, U.S. News will not publish schools’ total publication counts on its website.

The objective of the rankings is to help prospective graduate students better understand their options for improving their skills, specializing in fields of interest and gaining leadership opportunities that lead to higher salaries. More sophisticated rankings better inform those choices. The latest adjustments to the 2024 Best Engineering Schools rankings methodology help provide a more complete assessment of schools’ research activity by complementing research grant statistics with data on the impact of that spending.

Tags: engineering , engineering graduate school , colleges , education , rankings , students

About Morse Code: Inside the College Rankings

Robert Morse is chief data strategist for U.S. News & World Report and has worked at the company since 1976. He develops the methodologies and surveys for the Best Colleges and Best Graduate Schools annual rankings, keeping an eye on higher-education trends to make sure the rankings offer prospective students the best analysis available. Morse Code provides deeper insights into the methodologies and is a forum for commentary and analysis of college, grad and other rankings.

2024 Best Colleges

Search for your perfect fit with the U.S. News rankings of colleges and universities.

Combined Degree Program

Program description:.

The combined BS/MS degree is designed to provide exceptional students at Syracuse University with the opportunity to “work ahead” and complete some of their future graduate-level degree requirements as an undergraduate student.

Students accepted into the 5-year BS/MS program will be able share up to 7 credits of 500+ level coursework toward the completion of both degrees. They will also have the opportunity to complete up to 6 credits of graduate-only coursework and transfer those credits toward their MS program of study.

Both shared and flagged credits will appear on the graduate transcript as a block of transfer credits labeled “transferred from SU undergraduate record”. These credits will not count toward graduate GPA calculations. A minimum grade of B is required to share or flag a course for transfer.

This combination of shared and transfer credit will allow the completion of both the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and the Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering in five years.

Students currently enrolled in the Chemical Engineering BS program are eligible to apply to the 5-year BS/MS program during their junior year (have 3 semesters remaining).

Interested students must submit an internal application packet to the department, as described below, prior to January 15th.

Acceptance into the program is based on academic performance. Notification will be sent to students by February 15th.

Students who are accepted into the 5 year BS/MS program will receive further application instructions at the time of acceptance.

Students who are  not  accepted into the 5 year BS/MS program may still be offered early admission into the regular Chemical Engineering MS program, at the discretion of the department.

Internal Application Packet

The application packet must consist of the following:

• Two (2) faculty recommendations forms (described below);
• The applicant’s personal statement (described below);
• CV or resume; and
• Unofficial transcript.

Faculty Recommendation Form

The packet must include two (2) faculty recommendation forms.

Faculty recommendations must be submitted directly from the faculty member to the department.

Recommendations may not come from current program directors.

Personal Statement

Applicants must include a one page personal statement explaining their interest in the 5 year BS/MS program:

• 12pt. Times New Roman font; and
• 1 in. margins on all sides.

Year 1 & 2

Enrollment in required undergraduate coursework

Application to program. Continued enrollment in required undergraduate coursework, including at least one shared course.

Enrollment in and completion of final required undergraduate coursework, including any remaining shared coursework. Enrollment in up to 6 credits of additional graduate-level coursework. 

Enrollment in and completion of graduate-level coursework.

E. Charles Sykes

Physical Chemistry, Surface Science, and Nanoscience. The Sykes group utilizes state of the art scanning probes and surface science instrumentation to study technologically important systems. For example, scanning tunneling microscopy enables visualization of geometric and electronic properties of catalytically relevant metal alloy surfaces at the nanoscale. Using temperature programmed reaction studies of well defined model catalyst surfaces structure-property-activity relationships are drawn. Of particular interest is the addition of individual atoms of a reactive metal to a relatively inert host. In this way reactivity can be tuned, and provided the energetic landscapes are understood, novel bifunctional catalytic systems can be designed with unique properties that include low temperature activation and highly selective chemistry. Newly developed curved single crystal surface are also being used to open up previously inaccessible areas of structure sensitive surface chemistry and chiral surface geometries. In a different thrust, the group has developed various molecular motor systems that are enabling us to study many important fundamental aspects of molecular rotation and translation with unprecedented resolution.

• PhD Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 2002
• BS/MS Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, 1998

VCU College of Engineering News

Rebecca Jarrell lands first place at the VCU 27th Annual Graduate Research Symposium

Her research project, "Biosynthesis of CdS Quantum Dots Using Enzymatic Generation of Hydrogen Sulfide," focuses on developing a green and sustainable method for producing quantum dots.

VCU College of Engineering hosts Graduate Student and Postdoc Research Showcase

On April 10, 2024, the VCU College of Engineering hosted the inaugural Graduate Student and Postdoc Research Showcase, celebrating the innovative research being conducted by students across all engineering disciplines.

Finding nano: Creative coral conservation with nanotechnology

In her recent TEDx talk, Natassja Lewinski, Ph.D., explores the benefits and potential risks of using nanotechnology in safeguarding coral reefs.

Chemistry, culture and conservation: Understanding STEM through the life cycle of an Italian fresco

High school students from Virginia Beach to Miami Beach are being introduced to STEM through history and heritage, thanks to a program originating from the VCU Chemical and Life Science Engineering Department.

VCU College of Engineering to offer six new master’s programs

The College of Engineering launches new master’s concentrations in aerospace engineering, engineering management, environmental and sustainable engineering, rehabilitation engineering, systems engineering, and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Chemical and life science engineering students receive awards from the 2023 AIChE Annual Student Conference

Out of the 16 VCU Engineering students who attended the conference, four presented their research and two brought home awards.

Paths to engineering: Students shape their future by expanding academic focus.

For Connor Richeson, Benita Amouzou and Mary Fahiem, exploring their academic journey led to a greater understanding of both career goals and ultimate passion for engineering.

With VCU contributors watching, NASA spacecraft begins its journey to the center of a planet

Engineering students developed an imaging system that will help study an asteroid’s composition, which could offer insight into the Earth’s core.

Chemical and life science engineering student, Sean Godward, receives the Department of Defense’s prestigious Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship

With the aid of the DoD’s SMART scholarship, Sean Godward is looking forward to creating positive change on both an individual and wide-reaching scale in chemical and life science engineering.

VCU undergraduate Gwendolyn Verity champions gender equality in engineering through NASA’s Student Engineering Research Program

Chemical and life science engineering senior, Gwendolyn Verity, spent the summer researching with NASA. Now, as she prepares for her senior year, she reflects on the program's commitment to breaking down gender barriers in STEM.

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Chemical Engineering Graduate - 2025 start date

Fawley & Fife, HAM, GB

At ExxonMobil, our vision is to lead in energy innovations that advance modern living and a net-zero future. As one of the world’s largest publicly traded energy and chemical companies, we are powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by the pride in what we do and what we stand for.

The success of our Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people. They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies. 

We invite you to bring your ideas to ExxonMobil to help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs. Learn more about our What and our Why and how we can work together .

ExxonMobil has operated in the U.K. for more than 135 years. We are best known today for the marketing of our Esso fuels and Mobil 1 lubricants and for our petrochemicals. We have refining and chemical operations in the UK, we operate the UK’s biggest private pipeline network and we retain a non-operated share in a number of fields in the North Sea. More recently, we are developing our involvement in lower emission projects in the UK, building on our experience in carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen production and biofuels.

An ExxonMobil career is one designed to last. Our commitment to you runs deep: our employees grow personally and professionally, with benefits built on our core categories of health, security, finance, and life.  

We start as we mean to go on. There will be structured training programmes, designed to give you solid foundations in both technical, management and behavioural skills, with ongoing support and development throughout your career. 

You will also receive:

• Competitive starting salary
• Generous resettlement allowance
• Defined Benefit Pension scheme
• Share incentive plan
• Private healthcare for employees and their families 
• Free Gym at most UK sites 

The programme is designed to build a career platform of technical, industry and specialist knowledge. It will give you the tools and opportunity to establish your own career path in various senior engineering positions and allow you to explore gaining further professional registration such as chartership, with support via our accredited IChemE mentoring programme.

Your first role will depend on your experience, but could include:

• Contact Engineer – You could be providing daily technical support as part of a team on a unit ensuring on-grade production that meets global market demand
• Process safety Engineer or Environmental Engineer – Protecting our people, local communities and the environment by identifying and mitigating potential risks
• Supply Chain coordination – Optimising the profitability of the site through managing the movement and storage of feed, raw materials and products to meet market demand

To be eligible for this role, you must:

• Expecting at least a 2:1 degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Be graduating in 2025 or have graduated in the last 3 years (since 2024-2022).
• Be able to demonstrate a broad range of personal effectiveness and leadership skills, with the ability to facilitate and influence business decisions in a team environment.
• Be motivated to continue your professional development as an engineer and work with Company mentors towards IChemE Chartership, if not already obtained.  

Relevant work experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

If you are Interested, you can apply now.

The closing date for this opportunity is Sunday 30th June 2024 , at which point we will commence our assessment process. If your application is not successful at any stage we will let you know as soon as we can.

If your application meets or exceeds our minimum criteria following the closing date, you will be invited to part in a behavioural assessment.

Successful candidates will subsequently be invited to participate in a Zoom interview including a technical competency assessment.

For candidates who successfully navigate the steps above, our final round, encompasses a site visit end of August.

ExxonMobil recognises that recruiting and developing the right people is key to our success and so we look for applicants who demonstrate the right skills, attitudes, capability and potential. Our processes are designed to be robust, engaging and consistent.

Conditions of Employment Successful candidates will be made a conditional offer of employment. The conditions include, but are not limited to: a satisfactory criminal records disclosure; satisfactory employment references over five years (where applicable); verification of qualifications, including any professional accreditation stated in the application; completion of a pre-employment medical, including a test for illicit or unprescribed drugs in accordance with the Company's safety policies; and the legal right to work on the agreed commencement date.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy ExxonMobil and its United Kingdom subsidiary companies, Esso Petroleum Company, Limited, and ExxonMobil Chemical Limited, are equal opportunity employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. All applicants are offered equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities during our recruitment processes, therefore, please contact the Recruitment Team if you wish to discuss any particular requirements to enable you to complete our recruitment process.

Nothing herein is intended to override the corporate separateness of local entities. Working relationships discussed herein do not necessarily represent a reporting connection, but may reflect a functional guidance, stewardship, or service relationship. 

Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms and terms like corporation, company, our, we and its are sometimes used as abbreviated references to specific affiliates or affiliate groups. Abbreviated references describing global or regional operational organizations and global or regional business lines are also sometimes used for convenience and simplicity. Similarly, ExxonMobil has business relationships with thousands of customers, suppliers, governments, and others. For convenience and simplicity, words like venture, joint venture, partnership, co-venturer, and partner are used to indicate business relationships involving common activities and interests, and those words may not indicate precise legal relationships.

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