PhD Opening in Thermal Radiation, Energy Conversion, and Nanofabrication at North Carolina State University North Carolina State University in United States

The Multi-scale Energy Transport Lab (METL) at North Carolina State University, led by Assistant Professor Mittapally Rohith, is recruiting PhD students for Fall 2026. The group is part of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and focuses on developing devices, precision tools, and theoretical models to study thermal radiation and phase-change phenomena, with a strong emphasis on energy management challenges in semiconductors and emerging electronic and photonic systems. Research areas include thermophotovoltaic power conversion, thermal photonics, advanced calorimetry for biological applications, multiphase transport and devices, and thermal computing. Students will have access to advanced micro/nanofabrication and analytical characterization facilities, and will receive expert training and guidance. The lab welcomes applicants with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics, and is particularly interested in those with experience in cleanroom fabrication, optics/optoelectronics, or electromagnetic modeling. The position offers the opportunity to work on physics-driven solutions for energy conversion and thermal management, contributing to cutting-edge research in AI hardware, photonic devices, and quantum systems. Interested candidates should email their CV and a brief statement of their background and fit to [email protected]. For more information, visit the METL group website.