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PhD Student
PhD Position in Mechanical Engineering (University at Buffalo) Full-time NEW
The Soft Matter and Interfacial Phenomena Laboratory (SaIL) in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo is recruiting a fully funded PhD student to join us in Spring 2027 or Fall 2027. The potential areas of research include biomechanics of cell membranes and mucociliary transport.
Our team takes a transdisciplinary approach to uncovering new physics and mechanics in soft materials and biological systems, combining theoretical analysis, computational simulations, data-driven modeling, and experimental investigations. We explore complex transport phenomena at material interfaces, establish process-structure-property relationships, and design new functional materials, supporting applications in advanced manufacturing, health care, and environmental sustainability. Our lab has a strong record of preparing researchers for academic careers, with alumni securing tenure-track positions at top research universities like the University of Alabama and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The University at Buffalo (UB) is a flagship institution in the 64-campus State University of New York (SUNY) system and a member of the prestigious AAU. Located in Western New York, UB is the largest, most comprehensive public university in SUNY, with a student population of more than 30,000 on three campuses – the Downtown Campus, South Campus, and North Campus. UB is No. 36 among 225 public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings and 75th among best national universities, which includes public and private colleges and universities. UB’s graduate mechanical engineering program ranked No.64 in the country.
Qualifications
- Interested in fundamental research in fluid mechanics and soft matter. Be passionate and self-motivated to venture into new areas and do important/revolutionary work.
- B.S. or M.S. in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, or polymer science. M.S. with project/research experience and a publication record is strongly preferred.
- Strong background in applied math and physics. Knowledge of colloid science, biophysics, fluid mechanics, and soft matter physics is beneficial.
- Good programming skills in C/C++, Python, or MATLAB are required.
- Experience with microfluidics, microscopy, image analysis, or all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and software (specifically GROMACS, AMBER, or NAMD) is preferred.
- Communicate well and are open to collaboration. (For international applicants) Proficiency in the English language with a minimum speaking sub-score: TOEFL IBT Speaking 25, IELTS Speaking 7.5, or Duolingo Speaking 145.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to email Dr. Xin Yong ([Please click the Apply button for the link or address]) a CV with English test scores, unofficial B.S. (and M.S.) transcripts, and a brief description of your research experience and motivation.