PhD position - Computational Soft Matter Research

About this position: The Computational Soft Matter Laboratory (https://farokhirad.com), within the Department of Mechanical Engineering (https://mie.njit.edu/) at the New Jersey Institute of technology (NJIT), is currently offering a Ph.D. position available for Spring/Fall 2024. The successful candidate will carry out computational research focusing on the interaction of flexible nanomaterials with biological cell membranes.

Qualifications:The ideal candidate should have earned a B.S. and M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical/Materials Engineering, Applied Mathematics/Physics, or a closely related field.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Background in solid mechanics and transport phenomena in biological systems.

• Experience in developing/working with numerical models and computation algorithms.

• Experience with scientific programming in Fortran, C/C++, Matlab, Python, or other object-oriented

programming languages is a PLUS.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to a vibrant research community.

To Apply:Please email Dr. Samaneh Farokhirad atsamaneh.farokhirad@njit.eduwith the subject line "Ph.D. Application", including a brief cover letter, your CV, and unofficial transcripts "in a single PDF file". The review of applications will commence immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Research Focus:The central aim of this project is to understand the interactions that take place between nanofilaments and human and animal cells using computational modeling techniques. We study how the interplay between nanofilament physicochemical features and cell biophysical properties affects the attachment and organization of nanofilaments on biological membranes. The knowledge and insights gained from this research will benefit various applications in nano- and biotechnologies, virology, and therapeutics, thereby contributing significantly to improving human health. As part of our group, you will have ample opportunities to develop novel computational frameworks, understand nanoparticle-cell interaction systems fundamentally, and collaborate with theoretical research groups at NJIT.

About NJIT:NJIT is at among the top 100 "Best Graduate Engineering Schools" (per U.S. News & World Report). It offers a vibrant engineering community environment and exciting opportunities for research and education. NJIT is located in the vibrant University Heights district of downtown Newark, NJ, just a 20 minutes train ride away from Manhattan, NY.