Fully funded PhD, at University of Florida in Physics of Glasses, Research atomic structure, optics & materials science.
The University of Florida (UF), through its Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, is offering an exceptional opportunity for one highly motivated student to pursue a fully funded PhD in Physics of Glasses, starting in Spring or Fall 2026.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Jaeyun Moon, the selected candidate will engage in cutting-edge research combining innovative experiments and advanced computational modeling, with direct applications to high-impact scientific and technological fields.
Research Areas
The PhD research will explore:
- Atomic structure and dynamics of glasses
- Thermal, mechanical, and optical properties and relaxation phenomena in glasses
- Novel computational and experimental metrology techniques for studying glasses at the atomic scale
Potential applications of this research include:
- Enhancing the sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors
- Improving the performance and reliability of next-generation solid-state batteries
Scholarship Benefits
This PhD position is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Access to state-of-the-art national and international laboratory facilities
- Mentorship from leading scientists in the field
- Opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
Eligibility Requirements
Education and Skills:
- B.S. or M.S. in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Background in fundamental materials research, including optics and lasers
- Experience with atomistic simulations and first-principles calculations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical abilities, and a proactive, self-driven approach to research
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent, high-impact research under Dr. Moon’s guidance
- Collaborate with group members, the UF community, and national/international partners
- Travel to domestic and international user facilities for experimental work
- Design, build, and maintain experimental setups and develop custom code for data acquisition and analysis
- Develop and employ computational techniques to complement experiments
- Present research outcomes at major conferences and publish in top-tier journals
Application Deadlines
- International Students: August 15, 2025
- Domestic Students (U.S.): October 1, 2025
How to Apply
- Send an email to jaeyun.moon@ufl.edu including:A brief statement of interest describing your research goals and how your background aligns with this projectAn updated CV/resume with contact details of two references
- Use the subject line: « PhD Application – [Your Full Name] »
Faculty Profile: Dr. Jaeyun Moon – University of Florida
Why Apply?
This fully funded PhD in Physics of Glasses at the University of Florida is a rare opportunity to work on groundbreaking research with real-world applications, collaborate with top-tier scientists, and gain experience in both experimental and computational science.
Whether your career goal is in academia, advanced industry R&D, or scientific innovation, this program provides the expertise, resources, and network to help you succeed.
