The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is offering two fully funded PhD opportunities for students interested in experimental research in advanced materials and structural engineering. The positions are based at Penn State University Park and are available for the Spring 2027 intake. The opportunities are hosted by the research group of Dr. Botong Zheng, Hartz Family Professor and Assistant Professor in Penn State’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Architectural Engineering. One position focuses on experimental materials, while the second focuses on experimental structures. Both positions involve hands-on experimental research, laboratory work and the development and testing of advanced engineering systems. Opportunity Overview University: The Pennsylvania State UniversityLocation: University Park, Pennsylvania, USAIntake: Spring 2027Level: PhDAvailable positions: 2Funding: Fully fundedResearch format: Experimental, hands-on researchResearch areas: Materials, structures, resilient infrastructure and automated construction About the Research Group Dr. Botong Zheng leads research at the intersection of structural engineering, materials science, mechanics and construction technologies. He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston in 2016. He subsequently spent five years at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, working first as a postdoctoral researcher and later as a Research Assistant Professor. In 2022, he joined the University of Southern California as a Research Assistant Professor and Technical Manager of the Structures and Materials Research Laboratory before joining Penn State. His research group focuses on developing engineering systems capable of responding to emerging infrastructure challenges and advancing construction and materials technologies. Research Themes The group works across several interconnected research areas. Resilient Infrastructure Research in resilient infrastructure focuses on structural systems for buildings and transportation infrastructure capable of resisting extreme conditions. These include earthquakes, severe weather, deterioration and combined environmental loading. Automated Construction The group investigates robotic and automated construction approaches that can expand the possibilities of where, what and how infrastructure can be built. Research extends from Earth-based infrastructure to potential construction applications in extreme and remote environments. Materials and Mechanics This area examines how existing materials can be engineered and used in new ways by connecting microstructure, mechanics, fabrication and structural integration. Research incorporates materials such as fibres, alloys, polymers, cements and in-situ deposited materials to develop properties required for next-generation structural systems. Fully Funded PhD Position 1: Experimental Materials The first PhD opening focuses on experimental materials research. The selected researcher will develop, fabricate and experimentally test advanced materials. The work will investigate how material properties and processing methods influence mechanical performance. This position may be particularly relevant to applicants interested in materials science, civil engineering, structural materials, mechanics, fabrication and experimental engineering research. Fully Funded PhD Position 2: Experimental Structures The second opening focuses on experimental structures. The successful PhD researcher will design and conduct structural experiments involving instrumentation, data acquisition and testing of structural components and systems. Applicants interested in structural engineering, experimental mechanics, infrastructure resilience, structural testing and engineering systems may find this position particularly relevant. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is aimed at prospective PhD researchers with relevant academic preparation and research interests aligned with the group’s work in materials or structures. Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant education, research experience and technical skills through their application materials. A strong application should clearly explain which of the two positions is preferred and demonstrate how previous academic, research or technical experience connects with the selected research direction. Applicants should also review Penn State’s graduate admission requirements before submitting their application. Application Requirements Applicants are asked to prepare the following documents as PDF files for the research group screening form: 1. Curriculum Vitae The CV should highlight: Educational background. Research experience. Relevant technical skills. Other experience relevant to the proposed research area. The requested filename format is: LastName_FirstName_CV.pdf 2. Statement of Research Interests Applicants should submit a research interests document of up to two pages covering: Preferred PhD position. Relevant previous experience. Research interests. Fit with Dr. Zheng’s research group. The requested filename format is: LastName_FirstName_SRI.pdf How to Strengthen the Application Applicants should identify whether they are applying for the experimental materials or experimental structures position and tailor their research interests statement accordingly. The strongest application materials should connect previous research, laboratory, engineering, programming, experimental or technical experience with the selected research direction. Applicants should also demonstrate familiarity with the research group’s themes, particularly resilient infrastructure, automated construction, materials and mechanics. The research interests statement should focus on specific evidence of preparation and explain why the applicant’s background aligns with the proposed PhD research. Why This Opportunity Is Valuable These positions provide an opportunity to undertake fully funded doctoral research within a university research group working on advanced engineering challenges. The combination of experimental research, materials development, structural testing, automation and resilient infrastructure provides potential exposure to research questions relevant to next-generation construction and infrastructure. For applicants seeking a research-intensive PhD in civil, structural, materials or related engineering fields, the positions offer an opportunity to contribute to laboratory-based research while developing advanced technical and research skills. Application Process Interested applicants should first prepare the required CV and two-page research interests statement. They should then complete the research group screening form and review Penn State’s graduate admission requirements to understand the university’s broader PhD application process. The research group specifically directs PhD applicants to use the Apply form provided on the official opportunity page. SPRING 2027 INTAKE – 2 FULLY FUNDED PHD OPENINGS VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY Applicants should verify the latest application instructions, graduate admission requirements and any applicable deadlines directly with Penn State and Dr. Zheng’s research group before submitting their application. 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