Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
Master’s Opportunities in Soft Matter Physics in United States
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RIKEN
Japan
.
4 days ago
RIKEN’s Research Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research is recruiting one Researcher, Special Researcher/Postdoctoral Fellow, or Research Associate for the Physical Biology Research Team in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. The fixed-term position is available from April 1, 2027 or by consultation and will study fundamental principles governing cells and multicellular populations. The team combines mathematical science and life science to investigate order formation in living systems, including cellular pola...
Cell Biology
Biophysics
Biology
+6 more
4 days ago
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Popular positions
RIKEN
Japan
.
2 months ago
RIKEN is recruiting a Special Research Fellow (postdoctoral-equivalent, fixed-term) in the Particle Systems Biophysics Research Team at the Research Center for Computational Science in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The project sits at the intersection of biophysics and computational science , with a strong focus on molecular dynamics , GPU computing , coarse-grained simulation , and the study of protein condensation and aggregation . The successful candidate will help develop and enhance the mu...
Computer Science
Information Technology
Biophysics
+6 more
2 months ago
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
Nanofluidics
Soft Matter Physics
Materials Science
Assistant Professor
Carnegie Mellon University
United States
Research Interests
Polymer Chemistry
Polymer Physics
Rheology
Nanomechanics
Viscous Flow
Rice University
United States
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Biochemistry
Molecular Physics
Molecular Dynamics
Protein Chemistry
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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Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
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Fulbright Degree Program Pakistan
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Master
PhD
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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.