PhD Opening on Biocolloids and Biointerfaces

We are recruiting responsible and self-motivated graduate students who are interested in experimental research at the interface of engineering, physical chemistry, nanotechnology, medical sciences, and biophysics. The appointment starts in August 2024. Preference will be given to MS students who apply for a PhD program or BS students who are interested in a direct PhD program.


Founded in 1907, the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) is the flagship campus of the University of Hawaii System. The UHM is classified as “R1: Doctoral Universities with Very High Research Activity”. Our Laboratory of Biocolloids and Biointerfaces is a world-leading laboratory in the biophysical study of biomembranes, physical chemistry of self-assembly and nanotechnology, and the development of advanced surface tension and contact angle measurement technologies. You may visit our website http://www2.hawaii.edu/~yzuo/ for more information.


We welcome interested students from all backgrounds of Engineering, Chemistry, and Biology to apply. Although we are in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, our research is mainly on physical chemistry, specifically on colloid and surface sciences, with interdisciplinary applications to biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and environmental science. We are also working on instrumentation, including both software and hardware development. Hence, students with the background of mechatronics, thermofluids, and mechanical engineering are also welcome to apply. All of our past group members have published multiple papers, and most of them have successfully moved onto academic positions.


We offer a graduate assistant compensation sufficient to cover all living costs in Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition, the student will receive a full tuition wavier together with our offer.
Please contact Prof. Yi Zuo directly (yzuo@hawaii.edu) for further information. With a minimum, please send your transcripts and CV for consideration. Thanks for your interest.