Inter²EngrLAB looks for passionate postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students. We are experimentalists with a very broad range of interests in fundamentals across various fields.
Postdoc
We are seeking postdoctoral candidates with expertise in micro-/nano-fabrication, liquid metal-based soft and stretchable electronics, and the engineering of interfaces between soft (e.g., hydrogel) and rigid materials, as well as phase-change heat transfer. Ideal candidates should have research experience in designing and building customized experimental setups and at least one of these areas: microfabrication, liquid metals, hydrogels, heterogeneous integration, thermal management, and electrochemistry.
To apply, please send the following to Prof. Liu (leoliu@umass.edu):
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- An up-to-date CV and a brief list of your projects/research
- A short description of your research interest and why you would be a good fit for this position and for our lab
- List of your reference letter writers.
Ph.D.
We are seeking experimentally-inclined, hard-working graduate students to convert new ideas into practice and advance device/system manufacturing. Prospective students should apply to the MIE department and indicate Prof. Liu as a possible advisor in the application. Students should also email Prof. Liu at leoliu@umass.edu with your resume/CV and a short description of your research interests and why you would be a good fit for Inter²EngrLAB. It is best to contact Prof. Liu prior to admissions decisions. Students currently enrolled in the Ph.D. or Master’s program at UMass may also contact Prof. Liu to schedule a meeting to discuss your interest in the lab. Research funding typically supports tuition and a living stipend for graduate students, but it is highly encouraged to also seek external fellowships.
Based on currently funded projects, students with microfluidics and/or microfabrication experience are preferred, while any students with an engineering or applied physics background are encouraged to apply.
Master’s
Master’s students may work in the lab to gain hands-on experience with novel device component or interfaces or in progress toward a master’s thesis. Experimental activities in the Inter²EngrLAB provide a strong training ground for engineers that intend to work in the industry, from areas of process development, device fabrication, process integration, device testing and prototyping, instrumentation and data analysis, and system engineering in R&D departments. Typically employment will be part-time, with the exception of summer, as students will work on a paid or volunteer basis. The specific arrangement will be determined based on time commitment and contribution to sponsored research. Interested students should contact Prof. Liu (leoliu@umass.edu) with your resume/CV and a short description of your research interests.
Undergrad
Engaging in research as an undergraduate allows students to apply their academic knowledge to tangible, real-world challenges. This experience also equips them for further studies or industry work. Inter²EngrLAB invites exceptional undergraduate students to join their independent study program and contribute to ongoing research. Those selected will collaborate closely with graduate students, primarily focusing on designing and conducting experiments, as well as gathering and analyzing data. Outstanding participants may lead their own research projects and will be trained comprehensively, including in publishing research. Moreover, if an undergraduate makes a significant contribution, they will be credited as authors on top-tier journal articles.Interested students should contact Prof. Liu (leoliu@umass.edu) with your resume/CV and a short description of your research interests.
Honor thesis is also available for Honor students on independent state-of-the-art research projects. Interested students should contact Prof. Liu (leoliu@umass.edu) directly.
Exchange/visiting scholars
We welcome international scholars with different backgrounds to join our lab. Backgrounds include but are not limited to mechanical, electrical, biomedical, chemical, material science, or other engineering disciplines, or physics, applied physics, or applied mathematics etc. You will find interesting projects to work on and smart researchers to collaborate with. To be a good fit in the lab, you need to share our deep passion and excitement to break the boards of existing human knowledge. You should be someone who can think deeply and independently while enjoying communication and collaborating with other lab members.
Interested scholars should contact Prof. Liu (leoliu@umass.edu) with your resume/CV, a short description of your research interests, and full contact information for 1-2 references.