He is also Assistant Director of The Global Institute for Urban and Regional Sustainability at ECNU. He serves as academic editor of journal PloS One. He was Assistant Professor at Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) between 2010 and 2012. In 2010, he obtained International Young Scientist fellowship from CAS after completing his Ph.D. study from the Thapar University, India. Dr. Achal has a very board interest in solving environmental related issues and biological based building materials. His major research interests include remediation technologies for heavy metals and soil liquefaction including grouting materials, and microbial concrete for sustainable environment.