Environmental & Sustainability Projects (USA)

About Zynthera

Zynthera is a dynamic research institution with over 10 years of experience leading innovative projects in chemistry, environmental sciences, and sustainable engineering. Our mission is to drive real-world solutions that address global challenges related to climate change, water security, clean energy, and sustainable infrastructure.

We are now launching five interdisciplinary projects in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston, and are looking to recruit highly motivated from bachelor to PhD-level Environmental Engineering (2 per project) to join our U.S.-based teams. These projects focus on green industrial futures, sustainable urban agriculture, climate-resilient infrastructure, clean combustion technologies, and real-time water quality monitoring.

Project Locations & Descriptions

Project 1: Green Industrial Futures – Decarbonizing U.S. Industry

Location: New York City

Project Code: GREENIND1

Description:

This project explores next-generation decarbonization strategies for U.S. industry, focusing on areas such as polymer biodegradation, carbon capture, CO metrology, and hydrogen storage in repurposed fossil fuel infrastructure. Engineers will use experimental methods to explore viable, scalable pathways toward net-zero industrial ecosystems.

Ideal Candidates: Those interested in lifecycle analysis, industry-partnered innovation, or energy transition technologies.

Project 2: Closing the Water-Energy-Food Loop – Building-Integrated Aquaponics

Location: San Francisco

Project Code: WATERFOOD2

Description:

This project integrates aquaponic greenhouses into building designs in urban and remote communities. It leverages waste heat and CO from existing infrastructure to create localized, low-emission food production systems. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the team will develop structural, policy, and community frameworks to scale this concept from cities to off-grid communities.

Ideal Candidates: Those passionate about sustainable agriculture, circular economy, or urban systems integration.

️Project 3: Climate-Resilient Soil Infrastructure Using Wicking Geotextiles

Location: Chicago

Project Code: GEORES3

Description:

This project works on geotextile fabrics that enhance soil stability and drainage, reducing climate-related deformation in reinforced soil structures. Benefits include reduced carbon emissions, use of local materials, and increased long-term infrastructure resilience. Lab models and real-world pilots will be developed and tested.

Ideal Candidates: Interested in geotechnical engineering, civil infrastructure, or environmental geosynthetics.

Project 4: Boron-Based Additives for Cleaner Low-Carbon Combustion

Location: Los Angeles

Project Code: BORONFUEL4

Description:

This project works on boron-based fuel additives designed to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions in aviation and ground transportation. The project focuses on synthesis, fuel compatibility, and emissions performance in combustion engines powered by biofuels and synthetic fuels.

Ideal Candidates: Those focused on clean combustion, propulsion systems, or advanced energy materials.

Project 5: Near-Source Detection of Pathogens in Recreational Waters

Location: Boston

Project Code: WATERSENSE5

Description:

This project develops portable microfluidic biosensors for rapid, power-free detection of waterborne pathogens (e.g., E. coli, Campylobacter, Norovirus) in lakes and rivers used for swimming. It integrates microcapillary enrichment, magnetic microbeads, LAMP DNA analysis, and optional electrochemical sensing—all field-deployable and benchmarked against lab methods.

Ideal Candidates: Those interested in public health, environmental monitoring, or water microbiology.

Who Should Apply?

We are seeking candidates with a strong academic background (BSc/MSc/PhD) in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Environmental Engineering

• Petroleum Engineering

• Water Resources Engineering

• Energy Systems

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Microbiology or Molecular Biology (for Project 5)

Work Experience: Entry-level and more

Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens and international applicants (visa sponsorship available)

Salary & Benefits

• Annual Salary Range:

o $75,000 – $95,000 USD (based on project complexity and experience)

• Visa Support: H1B or J-1 sponsorship available

• Other Benefits:

o Interdisciplinary mentorship

o Real-world pilot testing sites

How to Apply

Send your application to:

Email Subject:

[Full name] – [City] – [Project Code]

(e.g., A B – San Francisco – WATERFOOD2)

Attach the following item:

1. Resume (with full contact details)

*Note: All submitted applications will first undergo an initial evaluation based on the documents provided. At this stage, no application fee is required, candidates are welcome to send their resumes (CV) to the above email address. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly and invited for a 30-minute online interview. Only after being shortlisted will candidates be asked to proceed with the application fee payment (30$) in order to move forward in the selection process.

Selection Timeline

• Applications Close: Rolling until all positions are filled

• Interviews: 30-minute online sessions

• Notifications: Within 3–4 weeks of submission

• Start Date: Sep-Oct, 2025.