Posted: February 19, 2024

The Biorefining and Renewable Biomaterials Chemistry Lab is seeking 2 PhD students to study additive manufacturing by 3D printing using plant-based polymers.

The Biorefining and Renewable Biomaterials Chemistry Lab in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Penn State University is currently recruiting 2 fully funded PhD students to study additive manufacturing by 3D printing using plant-based polymers. The successful candidate will work with the Principal Investigator Dr. Stephen Chmely to extract and modify lignin and nanocellulose and incorporate them into new photoactive resins for 3D printing by digital light processing.

With a target start date of August 2024 (or sooner), all highly motivated students are invited to apply. The successful candidate will have a MS degree in an engineering field with a strong background in chemistry, mechanics of materials, and polymer science. Being able to work as part of a diverse international team is absolutely required.

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Penn State offers graduate programs in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, BioRenewable Systems, Operations Research, and International Agriculture and Development. Our graduate degrees help prepare qualified graduates for careers as leaders in industry, government, and academia.

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Chmely at smc6932@psu.edu with questions about the application process. Applicants should attach a CV, transcripts, and a short (no more than 1 page) narrative discussing their interest in the research project.