Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
PhD Opportunities in Material Characterization in United States
Phd Positions in material characterization in united states
5 positions foundnewest posted
Universities with open PhD positions in material characterization in the United States include Virginia Tech, Illinois Institute of Technology and Northeastern University.
Eda Aydogan
Just Landed
Virginia Tech
United States
.
2 days ago
Just Landed
Ph.D. opportunity in advanced materials and nuclear engineering at Virginia Tech Eda Aydogan is recruiting a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join her research group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering's Nuclear Engineering Program at Virginia Tech, beginning in Fall 2027. The research centers on advanced materials under extreme environments, with applications in nuclear and structural materials engineering. Research topics include radiation effects and microstructural evolution in meta...
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Nuclear Engineering
+7 more
2 days ago
Matthew J. Gombeda
Illinois Institute of Technology
United States
.
3 weeks ago
PhD opportunity in civil engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology with research at the intersection of concrete materials and structural concrete . The group is looking for highly motivated U.S. citizen applicants with a B.S. or M.S. degree in civil/structural engineering or a related field; an M.S. is preferred . Relevant experience in the behavior and mechanics of structural concrete , characterization of fresh and hardened properties of novel concrete materials , and experimental t...
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Civil Engineering
+2 more
3 weeks ago
Richard Yu Liu
Northeastern University
United States
.
1 month ago
Richard Yu Liu, Assistant Professor of Physics at Northeastern University, is recruiting two graduate students and one postdoctoral researcher for his group in the Department of Physics. The lab focuses on quantum materials and AI-enabled experimentation , including automated atomic fabrication, adaptive scanning probe microscopy, and closed-loop, high-throughput materials discovery. This is a strong fit for applicants interested in experimental condensed matter physics, advanced materials chara...
Computer Science
Materials Science
Material Characterization
+3 more
1 month ago
Mohsen Taheri Andani
Texas A&M University
United States
.
1 month ago
Mohsen Taheri Andani, Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, is advertising multiple fully funded PhD positions in metal additive manufacturing for Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 . The research focus is centered on materials science , with particular emphasis on materials characterization and metallography . Students with a strong background in these areas are encouraged to apply. The positions are based at Texas A&M University in the United States . The post specifically notes that U.S.-based ...
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Additive Manufacturing
+3 more
1 month ago
Parashu Kharel
South Dakota State University
United States
.
5 months ago
South Dakota State University is advertising MS and PhD openings in Physics for Fall 2026 , with up to two PhD students to be recruited by Professor Parashu Kharel . The research area is experimental condensed matter physics , with a specific focus on the development and characterization of magnetic materials . This opportunity is a strong fit for students interested in physics, materials science, and experimental research on functional or magnetic materials. Supervisor / announcer: Parashu Khar...
Experimental Physics
Materials Science
Material Characterization
+2 more
5 months ago
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Popular positions
University at Albany, State University of New York
United States
.
2 weeks ago
Funded PhD and Master's positions are available in Electrochemical Energy Storage and Next-Generation Batteries at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Binghamton University, State University of New York in the United States . The research will be conducted with Dr. Pallavi Thakur and focuses on lithium-metal batteries , solid-state batteries , electrochemical interfaces , interfacial phenomena , battery degradation and failure mechanisms , and safe, sustainable, scalable energ...
Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
+3 more
2 weeks ago
University of Kentucky
United States
.
2 months ago
Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM) at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, United States . This full-time postdoctoral opening is in the Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing and focuses on additive manufacturing , materials science , and mechanical engineering . The project emphasizes solid-state and fusion-based AM methods such as Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) , cold spray , and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) , with a strong interest in process–structure–property relationshi...
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Manufacturing Engineering
+2 more
2 months ago
Aman Haque
Penn State Universit
United States
.
1 month ago
Aman Haque, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University, is recruiting PhD students for experimental research on the mechanics and physics of defects induced by high temperatures and/or radiation . The research spans electronic materials , nuclear materials , and structural materials , with a focus on how defects affect material behavior and performance. This is a strong fit for students interested in materials science , physics , and mechanical engineering , especially those dr...
Materials Science
Dielectric Engineering
Physics
+1 more
1 month 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
Professor and Halliburton Chair in Engineering
Texas A&M University
United States
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Automotive Engineering
Tribology
Wear Analysis
Frictional Mechanics
Associate Professor
Rice University
United States
Research Interests
Solid Mechanics
Rock Mechanics
Frictional Mechanics
Nonlinear Mechanics
Wear Analysis
Professor
University of California, Berkeley
United States
Research Interests
Solid Mechanics
Condensed Matter Physics
Nanomechanics
Frictional Mechanics
Thin Film Physics
Professors you could contact
Associate Professor
University of Utah
United States
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Condensed Matter Physics
Machine Learning
Material Characterization
Materials Science
Professor
University of Utah
United States
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Material Characterization
Adsorption Science
Surface Science
Assistant Professor
Michigan State University
United States
Research Interests
Medical Imaging
Solid Mechanics
Noninvasive Imaging
Material Characterization
Tissue Mechanics
Scholarships relevant to you
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
Fully Funded
United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) under the Fulbright ProgramUnited StatesCloses Usually in July
United StatesCloses Usually in JulyFulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships support Indian PhD scholars to conduct doctoral research at U.S. institutions for 6 to 9 months as part of their PhD in India.
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
Fulbright Degree Program Pakistan
Fully Funded
United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) in partnership with the United States Department of StateUnited StatesAnnual
United StatesAnnualThe Fulbright Degree Program Pakistan supports Pakistani students to pursue graduate study in the United States, with funding typically covering tuition, living costs and related expenses.
Master
PhD
Explore other paths
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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.