PhD in Materials Science & Engineering

Job Description

The Princeton Materials Institute (PMI) invites applications for its fully funded PhD program in Materials Science & Engineering, starting Fall 2026. This interdisciplinary program trains researchers to develop next-generation materials for energy, electronics, health, sustainability, and quantum technologies. Candidates gain access to cutting-edge nanofabrication, materials characterization, and computational facilities, along with collaboration opportunities across science and engineering departments.

PhD Program Details

About the Princeton Materials Institute (PMI)

The Princeton Materials Institute, founded in 1990, is one of the United States’ most influential hubs for interdisciplinary materials science. Spread across chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, molecular biology, geosciences, and applied physics, PMI brings together nearly 100 faculty members from more than a dozen departments.

Princeton’s excellence in material innovation is globally recognized through the long-standing NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center (MRSEC) – the Princeton Center for Complex Materials (PCCM) – which has been continuously funded since 1994.

The institute’s mission is to accelerate transformative advances in nanoscience, molecular engineering, energy materials, electronic materials, soft matter, biomaterials, and computational design of materials.

About the PhD in Materials Science & Engineering

The Princeton PhD in MSE is a fully funded, research-intensive 5-year doctoral program designed for students who want to specialize in materials science, nanotechnology, and advanced engineering applications.

Students benefit from Princeton’s world-class infrastructure, access to frontier scientific problems, and an unparalleled interdisciplinary culture spanning science, engineering, and applied research.

Program Features

• Interdisciplinary training across science & engineering

• Access to cutting-edge instrumentation for nanoscale synthesis and characterization

• Weekly PMI/PCCM seminars with global experts

• Collaborative labs with expertise in:

  • Nanomaterials

  • Quantum materials

  • Bio-inspired materials

  • Polymers & soft matter

  • Energy storage & electrochemistry

  • Mechanical behavior of materials

  • Thin films & nanofabrication

  • Computational materials design

Students emerge with a deep understanding of the structure–property–performance relationship across length scales, enabling them to contribute to next-generation technologies.

1. Imaging & Analysis Center (IAC)

A world-class nanomaterials characterization hub offering:

• TEM, HRTEM, cryo-TEM

• STEM-EELS

• SEM, FIB-SEM

• SPM/AFM

• Raman, XRD, XPS
  Perfect for research in nanomaterials, thin films, microstructures, and interfacial engineering.

2. Micro/Nanofabrication Center (MNFC)

A full cleanroom facility supporting:

• Lithography

• Thin film deposition

• Etching

• Device fabrication
  Ideal for nanoelectronics, quantum devices, sensors, and micro-energy systems.

3. Princeton Research Computing

High-performance computing clusters enabling:

• Atomistic simulations

• DFT modeling

• Machine learning for materials

• Multiscale modeling

Who Should Apply

The program is ideal for students passionate about:

• Nanotechnology

• Functional materials

• Energy storage + conversion

• Semiconductor materials

• Polymer chemistry

• Quantum materials

• Additive manufacturing

• High-performance alloys

• Computational materials engineering

Eligible backgrounds:

• Materials Science

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Engineering (ME/EE/ChE/CE)

• Applied Physics

• Nanotechnology

• Polymer Science

Apply via Princeton Graduate School Website

➡️ https://gradschool.princeton.edu
➡️ Select the Materials Science & Engineering PhD Program

Required Materials

• Online application form

• Statement of purpose

• Curriculum vitae

• Official transcripts

• Letters of recommendation

• English proficiency (if applicable)

Program Contacts

• Director of Graduate Studies: Prof. Mikko Haataja

• Graduate Program Administrator: Sandra Lam

For queries:
📧 Sandra Lam – [email protected]

Reference Links

• Official Program Page: https://materials.princeton.edu/phd

• Graduate Admissions: https://gradschool.princeton.edu

• Research Areas: https://materials.princeton.edu/research

• Facilities: https://materials.princeton.edu/facilities

Disclaimer

This article provides an overview of the official program. Applicants should refer to Princeton’s official website for the most accurate and updated information.