Description

Louisiana Tech University is actively seeking highly motivated graduate students to fill two Ph.D. positions within the Department of Civil Engineering in Ruston, Louisiana. Targeting a Winter 2026-27 start date, these roles offer an excellent opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary, hands-on experimental research. Under the guidance of Dr. Hussain Shaik, selected candidates will drive forward innovations in advanced construction and transportation materials.

Research Areas

Successful applicants will focus their doctoral research on one of the following primary domains:

• Concrete Materials: Exploring concrete technology, sustainable cementitious materials, and advanced structural engineering.
• Asphalt and Bitumen: Investigating asphalt, bitumen, and innovative transportation materials.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for these doctoral positions, prospective students must demonstrate a strong academic background and a passion for experimental discovery. The core requirements include:

• A master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related academic discipline.
• Proven hands-on experience in laboratory environments and experimental research.
• The capacity to autonomously design, plan, and execute scientific experiments.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting complex experimental data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a distinct interest in publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• The ability to thrive collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Role-Specific Requirement: Candidates applying for the asphalt/bitumen track must possess prior professional or hands-on research experience specifically dealing with these materials.

Application Materials

Applicants should prepare a comprehensive application package highlighting their academic achievements, research history, and industry experience. Required documents include:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing publications, conferences, and relevant work history.
• A 1–2 page statement of research interests. This document must connect your previous experience—including specific laboratory techniques, software tools, and testing methods—to the prospective role.
• Official academic transcripts from both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
• A copy of your master’s thesis or a concise summary of your previous graduate research.
• A detailed list of relevant peer-reviewed publications (if applicable).
• Contact information for two to three academic or professional references.
• Standardized English-language proficiency scores (if applicable).

Application Process & Deadlines

Interested candidates must submit their complete application packages directly via email to Dr. Hussain Shaik (Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering) at hshaik@latech.edu.

When applying, please ensure you use one of the following exact subject lines based on your chosen track:

• [Your Name] – PhD Applicant – Concrete Materials
• [Your Name] – PhD Applicant – Asphalt/Bitumen

Important Dates: Applications submitted by October 20, 2026, will receive priority consideration. The selection committee will review submissions and conduct interviews on a rolling basis until both vacancies are filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.