Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.)

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science & Engineering Program
Binghamton University, State University of New York

Start Date: Spring 2027

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The Wagner Polymer & Soft Matter Mechanics Lab at Binghamton University invites applications for a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position beginning in Spring 2027. The successful candidate will join a research group focused on the physics, synthesis, characterization, and multi-scale computational mechanics of advanced soft materials, including polymer networks, elastomers, hydrogels, and related systems. The position offers the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research spanning experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches to polymer science and soft matter mechanics.

 

Research Areas

Applicants with expertise or strong interest in one or more of the following areas 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

 

Responsibilities

The Graduate Research Assistant will:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on polymeric soft materials.

• Design, synthesize, and characterize elastomers, hydrogels, and related polymer systems (for experimentally focused candidates).

• Perform mechanical testing and analyze experimental data.

• Develop computational models and simulations of polymeric materials (for computationally focused candidates).

• Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

• Assist in mentoring undergraduate researchers and contribute to maintaining laboratory operations.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.

• Strong academic record and demonstrated research potential.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Admission into Binghamton University ME or MSE graduate programs

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Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following:

• Polymer synthesis or soft materials fabrication

• Mechanical characterization of polymers or biological materials

• Rheology, DMA, or other materials testing techniques

• Molecular dynamics, continuum mechanics, finite element analysis, or related computational methods

• MATLAB, Python, C/C++, LAMMPS, COMSOL, Abaqus, or similar scientific software

• Scientific writing and publication experience

 

Funding

The position includes a competitive graduate research assistantship, including stipend, tuition support, and health insurance, subject to university policies and satisfactory academic and research progress.

 

Application Instructions

Interested applicants email the following to Robert.J.Wagner-at-Binghamton.edu:

• A current curriculum vitae (CV)

• A brief statement of research interests and career goals

• Unofficial transcripts

• Contact information for three professional or academic references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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About Binghamton University

Binghamton University is a premier public R1 research institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, recognized for excellence in research, innovation, and graduate education. Located in scenic Upstate New York, the university offers a collaborative research environment with outstanding facilities and opportunities for interdisciplinary research in engineering, materials science, and the physical sciences.