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Openings

We invite motivated students across mechanical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, computation (AI/ML), soft matter physics, and related fields to apply for roles studying the Mechanics of Structures, Networks, and Polymers (SNAP).

Ph.D. Openings

We are actively recruiting for multiple funded Ph.D. positions related to directions outlined on our research page.

Interested candidates should email the following materials to chartquist@ufl.edu using the subject line “Ph.D. Research Application – [Your Full Name]”:

  • A copy of their updated resume or CV.
  • The semester (Fall or Spring) and year in which they hope to begin.
  • A summary in the body of the email outlining why they are interested in the role and how their background (research, courses, skills, tools, etc.) aligns with the direction of the group.

Applicants should also apply for the Ph.D. program in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the University of Florida here. In the cover letter of your application, please detail your interest in our group and how your goals align with our technical directions.

  • B.S. degree in a relevant discipline of engineering or science, such as mechanical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry, etc. 
  • Motivation and desire to solve important and challenging problems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities, leadership experience, and academic achievement.
  • M.S. degree in a relevant discipline of engineering, science, or computation.
  • Expertise in computational mechanics is highly sought after for current openings.
  • Experimental/theoretical background in any of the following areas:
    • Mechanical testing and/or structural characterization.
    • Solid mechanics and/or fracture mechanics.
    • Polymer synthesis and/or characterization.
  • Computational/programming background in any of the following areas:
    • Programming and/or modeling experience in MATLAB.
    • Machine learning and/or artificial intelligence (Python, etc.).
    • Computational modeling using Finite Element Analysis (ABAQUS, etc.).
  • Strong record of research experience evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, patents, etc.

Potential projects include but are not limited to…

  • Fracture of soft materials: applying principles in solid mechanics, materials science, and polymer physics to study failure across length scales in polymeric, biological, and architected soft materials.
  • Computation in structural characterization: applying principles in optimization, modeling, and machine learning to better measure the underlying structure within soft materials.

We are also exploring directions related to the mechanics of materials in biology and medicine. We seek to apply fundamental principles in mechanics to better understand and design against material failure within the body.

M.S. Research Opportunities

We are also seeking students enrolled in M.S. programs at the University of Florida with interest in our research to join the group.

Research projects will be integrated within the interdisciplinary research directions of our group that bridge mechanics, soft materials, computation, biology, and medical devices.

Eligible and interested applicants should send send an email to chartquist@ufl.edu containing the following information using the subject line “M.S. Research Application – [Your Full Name]”:

  • A copy of their updated resume or CV (highlighting relevant experience)
  • A summary in the body of the email outlining what they are interested in working on and how their background (research, courses, skills, tools, etc.) aligns with the group
  • Studying a discipline of engineering or science, including mechanical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry, etc.
  • Motivation and desire to solve important and challenging problems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities, leadership experience, and academic achievement.
  • Experimental/theoretical background in any of the following areas:
    • Mechanical testing and/or structural characterization.
    • Solid mechanics and/or fracture mechanics.
    • Polymer synthesis and/or characterization.
  • Programming/simulation background in any of the following areas:
    • Programming and/or modeling experience in MATLAB.
    • Machine learning and/or artificial intelligence (Python, etc.).
    • Computational modeling using Finite Element Analysis (ABAQUS, etc.).

B.S. Research Opportunities

We encourage students in B.S. programs at the University of Florida with interest in our work to reach out about joining the group in volunteer research roles.

Enrolled students should send an email to chartquist@ufl.edu containing the following information using the subject line “B.S. Research Application – [Your Full Name]”:

  • A copy of their updated resume or CV (highlighting relevant experience)
  • A summary in the body of the email outlining their interests, skills, and goals (research, education, and career)