Summary
The Wagner Polymer & Soft Matter Mechanics Lab at Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), is inviting applications for a Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.) position. The research focuses on the physics, synthesis, characterization, and multi-scale computational mechanics of advanced soft materials such as polymer networks, elastomers, and hydrogels. The position provides a competitive stipend, tuition support, and health insurance.
Ph.D. Scholarship Opportunity in Soft Matter Mechanics at Binghamton University (Spring 2027) US
Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Position Title | Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.) |
| Department / Program | Department of Mechanical Engineering / Materials Science & Engineering Program |
| Institution | Binghamton University (SUNY) |
| Start Date | Spring 2027 |
| Funding Includes | Competitive stipend, tuition support, and health insurance |
Designation
- Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) – Ph.D. Level
Research Areas
Applicants with expertise or strong interest in one or more of the following domains are encouraged to apply:
- Polymer physics and polymer network mechanics
- Elastomer and hydrogel synthesis and characterization
- Mechanical testing of soft materials (e.g., tensile, compression, rheology, DMA)
- Materials characterization and data analysis
- Computational mechanics of soft matter
- Molecular dynamics, finite element analysis, or multiscale modeling
- Constitutive modeling of polymers and soft materials
Location
Binghamton University (State University of New York)
Watson College of Engineering & Applied Science
Engineering & Science Building, Room 1333
85 Murray Hill Rd., Vestal, NY 13850, USA
Eligibility / Qualification
Minimum Qualifications:
- Degree: B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
- Academic Record: Strong academic record with demonstrated research potential.
- Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Admission: Admission into Binghamton University Mechanical Engineering (ME) or Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) graduate programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in polymer synthesis or soft materials fabrication.
- Experience in mechanical characterization of polymers/biological materials, rheology, or DMA testing.
- Expertise in computational methods: Molecular Dynamics, continuum mechanics, or Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- Familiarity with software/tools like MATLAB, Python, C/C++, LAMMPS, COMSOL, or Abaqus.
- Scientific writing and publication experience.
Job Description
The Graduate Research Assistant will be responsible for:
- Conducting independent and collaborative research on polymeric soft materials.
- Designing, synthesizing, and characterizing elastomers, hydrogels, and related polymer systems (experimental focus).
- Performing mechanical testing and analyzing experimental data.
- Developing computational models and simulations of polymeric materials (computational focus).
- Presenting research findings at scientific conferences and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Assisting in mentoring undergraduate researchers and contributing to laboratory operations.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send an email to Robert.J.Wagner-at-Binghamton.edu (replace -at- with @) with the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Research Interests & Career Goals (Brief)
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Contact Information for Three References (Professional or Academic)
Last Date for Apply
- Rolling Basis: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
