Three Ph.D. Positions Opening – Spring & Fall 2027–Dr. Bo Li @ UGA
School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering (ECAM)
The University of Georgia (UGA) Ranked #46 National University (U.S. News 2026) | Athens/Atlanta Area, USA
Opening Positions
Multiple fully funded Ph.D. Research Assistant positions (including full tuition waiver and competitive stipend) are available in Dr. Bo Li’s research group.
Research Areas
1. 3D printing of nanomaterials and polymer composites.
2. Self-assembly of nanomaterials on soft and polymer substrates.
3. Nanotechnology for capturing and detecting PFAS contaminants.
Core Objectives
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Develop functional hybrid nanomaterials and structures for flexible electronics and environmental monitoring.
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Engineer interfacial interactions between polymers and nanomaterials.
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Integrate nanomaterial synthesis, composite processing, and in-situ diagnostics.
Candidate Qualifications
Required
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Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering (including Polymer Engineering), Material Processing, Chemical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electronics, or a related discipline.
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Motivation: Strong interest and drive for interdisciplinary research.
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Traits: Responsible work ethic, strong hands-on capabilities, and excellent teamwork skills.
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Preferred Experience (one or more of the following is a strong plus)
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Research experience in 3D printing or Direct Ink Writing (DIW) (for Area 1).
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Nanomaterial synthesis, surface modification, or self-assembly (for Area 2).
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Raman spectroscopy or chemical detection techniques (for Area 3).
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Experience in polymer synthesis or polymer crystallization.
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Mechanical design or device prototyping.
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Mechatronics, control systems, or software proficiency (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, etc.).
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Electrical measurements and characterization.
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First-author publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals.
Language & Admission Requirements
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GRE: Not required.
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English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT ≥ 80 (with minimum sub-scores of 20 on Speaking and 20 on Writing) OR IELTS Academic ≥ 6.5 (with no single band below 6.0). Note: Exceptional research backgrounds may allow for some flexibility in language score requirements
How to Apply
Timeline: Review of applications begins immediately and will continue on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Please send the following materials as a single PDF file to Dr. Bo Li at hnamlaboratory@gmail.com:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Brief statement of research interests and relevant experience
3. Transcripts (undergraduate and/or graduate)
4. English test score report (if available)
5. Contact information for two professional references
About the Advisor & University
Dr. Bo Li – Principal Investigator
Dr. Bo Li will join the University of Georgia as a Professor in August 2026 after a highly successful 10-year faculty tenure at Villanova University. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Sichuan University, his Ph.D. from Northeastern University (2013), and completed his postdoctoral training at Rice University under Prof. Pulickel M. Ajayan.
His research program focuses on nanomaterial-polymer interfaces, 2D materials, and flexible electronics, and has secured over $5M in research funding from federal, state, and private sources. Dr. Li has authored over 50 high-impact papers in premier journals, including Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Photonics, Nature Communications, Nano Letters, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, and Small. · Lab Website: https://boli751.wixsite.com/mysite-2
· Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=bUmoXCMAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
About the University of Georgia (UGA)
Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and stands as a flagship public Ivy research university (R1 institution). Located in Athens, GA, it offers a vibrant, collaborative academic environment close to the major economic and technological hub of the Atlanta metropolitan area.