Student and Postdoc Funding Opportunities
Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program
The Illinois Materials Research Science and Engineering Center is excited to offer an NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Our ten week summer research program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work closely with MRSEC faculty mentors on solving a challenging, meaningful scientific question through taking part in the interdisciplinary Illinois MRSEC research. The program also provides training to help students in their professional development as scientists and engineers, with particular emphasis on those skills related to communicating their scientific discoveries to help broaden its reach and make science more accessible.
Open Quantum Initiative Undergraduate Fellowship
The Open Quantum Initiative (OQI) Undergraduate Fellowship provides undergraduate students with research experiences working in quantum science laboratories and research groups.
With the support of Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) member and partner institutions this fellowship helps to open pathways into careers in quantum science and research for undergraduate students. Through the Fellowship, students expand their understanding of quantum information science and engineering (QISE), connect with leaders in academia and industry, and increase awareness of quantum career opportunities, including the wide range of opportunities to leverage applied quantum research in fields such as drug design, bioimaging, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and finance. The summer experience is aimed at developing students' research literacy skills and exposure to the wide range of fields and subfields (including experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches) in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, quantum optics/information science, and quantum materials.
PPG-MRL Collaborative Graduate Research Program
Under support of the PPG foundation, this program will support a team of two graduate students from different research groups on a student-initiated collaborative seed project. Students are encouraged to be from different departments, though not required. The project should not be a direct extension of the individual student projects although the project can be related to one or both the students’ projects. Targeted areas include materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, and related areas of study of potential relevance to PPG.
PPG-MRL Graduate Research Assistantship Program
Under support of the PPG foundation, this program will support up to six doctoral-level students conducting research broadly related to coatings science and specialty materials. Targeted areas include materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, condensed matter physics, and related areas of study.
Professor Joe Greene Postdoctoral Fellow Program
These prestigious postdoctoral positions are designed to support outstanding early-career scientists and engineers specializing in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, and related fields. Successful candidates will initially be appointed as full-time Postdoctoral Research Associates for one year, with the option of a second year. This program is available thanks to an endowment created by Phyllis Greene, Joe’s wife of 55 years, to honor Professor Joe Greene (Dr. J.E. Greene), who was a distinguished faculty member in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a former director of The Materials Research Laboratory. Prof. Greene was renowned for his enduring impact and dedication to fostering the careers of young scientists and emerging leaders in the fields of materials science engineering, basic science, and applied technology. Read more about Professor Joe Greene's Legacy.
Information on the application process will be available in the fall 2025.