Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
PhD, Master’s & Postdoc Opportunities in Soft Matter Physics in United States
Positions in soft matter physics in united states
4 positions foundnewest posted
Universities with open positions in soft matter physics in the United States include University of New Hampshire, Pennsylvania State University and University of Colorado Boulder.
University of New Hampshire
United States
.
4 days ago
The University of New Hampshire invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in Professor Mrityunjay Kothari’s group at the Durham campus in the United States. The project advances the theoretical and computational mechanics of soft solids under coupled physical environments, including thermal, transport, phase-change, and damage effects. The researcher will develop finite-deformation continuum theories, translate constitutive models into verified finite-element implement...
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Solid Mechanics
+7 more
4 days ago
Pennsylvania State University
Top university
United States
.
6 days ago
Top university
The Department of Mathematics in the Eberly College of Science at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar for an anticipated August 2027 start at the Penn State University Park campus in the United States. The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr. Karol Bacik in fluid dynamics and soft matter. Research activities will include laboratory experiments in the department’s Pritchard Laboratory and development of data-driven mathematical models. Applicants wi...
Materials Science
Mathematics
Fluid Mechanics
+4 more
6 days ago
Franck Vernerey
University of Colorado Boulder
United States
.
2 weeks ago
PhD opportunity at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Soft and Living Matter Group with Professor Franck Vernerey . The project focuses on the mechanics of active and collective matter , making it a strong fit for students interested in physics , applied mathematics , mechanics , and related materials/soft matter research. The post is looking for a motivated PhD student . Candidates with backgrounds in applied mathematics, mechanics, or physics are especially encouraged to apply. The posi...
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Mathematics
+5 more
2 weeks ago
Tai
University of Michigan
United States
.
1 month ago
Postdoctoral Research Fellow opportunity in the Tai Lab, Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, United States). The lab studies bacterial biofilms and microbial communities using biophysics, microbiology, soft matter physics, ecology, and evolution. Research directions include single-cell imaging, microfluidics, bacterial genetics, systems biology, biophysical measurements, and computational modeling. This postdoc is a one-year appointment with possible renewal depending on...
Computer Science
Microbiology
Biomedical Engineering
+9 more
1 month ago
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Living costs in United States
Estimated costs in United States.
MonthlyYearly | United States |
|---|---|
 Groceries Basic food shopping for one student per year | $3.0k $3,000/yr |
 Clothing Basic clothing and seasonal needs per year | $1.5k $1,500/yr |
 Books & Academic Supplies Textbooks, stationery, and academic materials per year | $800 $800/yr |
 Housing Shared flats and off-campus rentals per year | $12.0k $12,000/yr |
Estimates based on university averages and Numbeo
Popular professors
George Mason University
United States
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Polymer Physics
Soft Matter Physics
Nanofluidics
Nanoparticle Synthesis
University of Florida
United States
Research Interests
Fluid Mechanics
Condensed Matter Physics
Magnetohydrodynamics
Capillary Physics
Nanofluidics
University of Maryland
United States
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Fluid Mechanics
Molecular Electronics
Photonic
Optical Physics
Professors you could contact
Assistant Professor
Auburn University
United States
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Condensed Matter Physics
Soft Matter Physics
Nanophysics
Supramolecular Chemistry
University of Minnesota
United States
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Polymer Chemistry
Rheology
Soft Matter Physics
Supramolecular Chemistry
Associate Professor
University of South Florida
United States
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Polymer Chemistry
Soft Matter Physics
Polymer Synthesis
Microstructure Evolution
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PhD
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
Varies
United States-India Educational FoundationUnited StatesAnnual
United StatesAnnualFulbright-Nehru Fellowships support Indian students, scholars and professionals to study, research, teach or pursue professional development in the United States through the Fulbright Program.
Master
PhD
PostDoc
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Quick
Questions
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying for a PhD position?
In many European and Asian universities yes; in some US programs applications are centralized but supervisor contact still helps.
Is GRE required for master’s or PhD applications abroad?
It depends on the country and university — many programs have made GRE optional, especially outside the US.
Do funded PhD positions usually cover tuition and living expenses?
Yes. Most funded PhD roles include tuition coverage plus a monthly stipend, but details vary by country and lab.
Are publications required to apply for PhD or postdoc positions?
Not always required for PhD, but strongly recommended. For postdoc roles, publications are usually expected.
Will I need to pay a tuition deposit for master’s admission?
In many countries yes — especially for taught master’s programs — but funded PhD positions typically do not require deposits.