PhD Positions in Advanced Polymer-Based Materials and Additive Manufacturing at University of Colorado Boulder University of Colorado Boulder in United States

The Saccone Research Group at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking 1-2 PhD students to join their team in Fall 2026. The group focuses on advanced material design and fabrication, particularly using polymer-based additive manufacturing techniques. Research projects address both fundamental questions in materials and manufacturing science and develop applications in energy materials, environmental remediation, and high-temperature environments.

This opportunity is based in the Mechanical Engineering department, with collaborative ties to the Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE) department and the Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) program. The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering is highly ranked and offers a customizable PhD program with specialty courses, entrepreneurship resources, and high-impact research opportunities. Areas of research in the department include air quality, biomedical design, materials, mechanics of materials, micro/nanoscale engineering, robotics and systems design, and thermo fluid sciences.

All admitted PhD students receive comprehensive funding, including a graduate student salary, tuition remission, mandatory student fees, and 91% health insurance coverage. First-year students are typically funded as Teaching Assistants (TAs), with the possibility of a waiver if the faculty has alternate funding. In subsequent years, students are funded as Research Assistants (RAs) or through fellowships, with departmental gap funding available if needed.

Applicants should have a strong background in mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related field. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for admission, and a master's degree is not required. Up to 21 hours of coursework may be transferred if a master's degree has already been obtained. The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and offers a supportive, multicultural environment with access to seminars, workshops, and professional development activities.

Application deadlines are December 1, 2025, for international applicants and December 10, 2025, for domestic applicants. Interested candidates should review the Mechanical Engineering PhD admissions page and the Saccone Group's website for more information. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in polymer-based manufacturing, advanced materials, and interdisciplinary research at a leading US institution.