The Laboratory for Low-Carbon Energy and Environmental Sustainability in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Wyoming has one PhD research assistant position in systems analysis of nuclear energy, which will be available from Spring 2026.

The Laboratory for Low-Carbon Energy and Environmental Sustainability promotes a long-term vision for the role of both technology and policy to cope with complex energy, environmental, and natural resource challenges. The laboratory conducts systems research that addresses technical, economic, and policy issues related to energy and the environment and promotes technological innovation. Current interests of research mainly include low-carbon energy systems, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen energy, advanced nuclear technology, and the energy-water nexus under carbon constraints. Recent research outputs have been published in mainstream journals, such as Nature Communications, Nature Water, Environmental Science & Technology, and Applied Energy. The laboratory also pioneers the development of the Integrated Environmental Control Model, a publicly available computer tool used worldwide for power plant modeling and assessment. The principal investigator is Haibo Zhai, Professor of Environmental Engineering and the Roy & Caryl Cline Distinguished Chair in Engineering.

The laboratory will hire a graduate research assistant (at the PhD level) to work on a new research project on nuclear energy. This project will address all technical, economic, environmental, and policy issues related to deployment of advanced nuclear technology for empowering existing energy assets to support energy-intensive AI data centers. Perspective students in environmental science and engineering, mechanical engineering, or energy-related disciplines and who are interested in systems research are strongly encouraged. For any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Prof. Haibo Zhai by email at hzhai@uwyo.edu.