Ph.D. Positions Opening – Fall 2025 / Spring & Fall 2026

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University (US News 2024 National University Ranking #67, Philadelphia area, USA)

 

Opening Positions:
Multiple Ph.D. research assistant positions (fully funded, including tuition and stipend) in Dr. Bo Li’s 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

 

Objectives:

• Develop functional hybrid nanomaterials and structures for flexible electronics and environmental monitoring

• Engineer interfacial interactions between polymers and nanomaterials

• Integrate nanomaterial synthesis, composite processing, and in-situ diagnostics

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering (including Polymer Engineering), Material Processing, Chemical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines

• Strong interest and motivation in interdisciplinary research

• Responsible work ethic, strong hands-on and teamwork capabilities

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Preferred experience (one or more of the following will be a plus):

• Research experience in 3D printing or direct ink writing (for Area 1)

• Nanomaterial synthesis, surface modification, or self-assembly (for Area 2)

• Raman spectroscopy or chemical detection techniques (for Area 3)

• Experience in polymer synthesis or crystallization

• Mechanical design or device prototyping

• Mechatronics, control systems, or software (Matlab, Labview, etc.)

• First-author publication in peer-reviewed journals

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English Requirements:

• GRE not required

• TOEFL ≥ 85, IELTS ≥ 6.5, Duolingo ≥ 110

• Exceptional research background may allow flexibility in language score requirements

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Starting Dates:
Fall 2025 / Spring 2026 / Fall 2026

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Application Deadline:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled

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How to Apply:
Please send the following materials in PDF format to Dr. Bo Li at hnamlaboratory@gmail.com:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Brief statement of research interests

• Transcripts

• English test score report (if available)

• Contact information for two references

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Advisor Profile – Dr. Bo Li
Dr. Bo Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Villanova University and PI of the Hybrid Nano-Architectures and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sichuan University (2005–2008), and Ph.D. from Northeastern University (2013). He completed his postdoctoral training at Rice University in the group of Prof. Pulickel M. Ajayan (2013–2016). His research focuses on nanomaterial-polymer interfaces, 2D materials, and flexible electronics. He has secured over $5M in research funding from federal, state, and private sources. Dr. Li has authored over 50 papers in journals including Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Photonics, Nature Communications, Nano Letters, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, Small, and others.

• Lab website: https://boli751.wixsite.com/mysite-2

• Google Scholar: Bo Li - Google Scholar

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About Villanova University
Villanova University is a private Catholic university located in the safe and convenient suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its College of Engineering is nationally recognized for excellence in both education and research. The university is within 30 minutes’ drive to downtown Philadelphia and offers strong career opportunities for graduates. Notably, Pope Leo XIV (elected in 2025) completed his undergraduate studies at Villanova.

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Contact:

Review of the applications will start immediately until the position is filled. Please submit application materials to hnamlaboratory@gmail.com (preferred); bo.li@villanova.edu

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