Join the Lab!
We are continually seeking passionate and driven individuals to join our team for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral positions.
If you're interested in contributing to our research and growing with us, explore our current opportunities below and feel free to reach out to apply.
Postdocs
What we look for
- Ph.D. in Civil/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics/Math, or a related field.
- Expertise are favored from the following:
- topology optimization & inverse design,
- nonlinear FEM & computational mechanics,
- fracture/damage,
- architected materials & origami/kirigami metamaterials,
- multiscale/multiphysics modeling,
- additive manufacturing and mechanical characterization
- Strong publication record and excellent written/oral communication.
- Ability to work independently, lead projects, and mentor students.
What we offer
- A highly collaborative environment at the intersection of mechanics, materials, computation, and design.
- Access to state-of-the-art fabrication & testing (3D printing, imaging analysis, mechanical testing) and university HPC resources.
- Close collaboration across engineering and applied science, with opportunities to co-author high-impact publications and proposals.
- Competitive benefits per university guidelines; strong mentoring and career development.
How to apply
Email Prof. Paulino. with: (1) cover letter describing research fit & goals, (2) CV with publications, and contact info for 2–3 references. Review is rolling until positions are filled.
Ph.D. Students
What we look for
- B.S. or M.S. in CEE/ME/MSE/MAE/Applied Physics/Applied Math/CS (or related).
- Strong fundamentals in solid & computational mechanics; creativity and passion for research.
- Programming proficiency (Python/MATLAB; C++/Julia a plus); experience with FEM/FEA (Abaqus/ANSYS/COMSOL) and/or CAD/AM is welcome.
- Clear, proactive communication; ability to work both independently and in a team.
- Prior research experience and/or publications are a plus but not required.
What we offer
- Immersive training in topology optimization, fracture & extreme mechanics, and architected/origami metamaterials, spanning computation, theory, and experiment.
- Access to world-class facilities, computing, and a collaborative network across departments and institutes.
- Opportunities for conference travel, impactful publications, and cross-disciplinary projects.
How to apply
Apply through the Princeton Graduate School to Civil & Environmental Engineering.
Undergraduate Researchers
What we look for
- Curiosity, reliability, and a genuine interest in mechanics, materials, and design.
- Helpful skills (any subset): Python/MATLAB coding, CAD (SolidWorks/Fusion), 3D printing/AM, basic electronics/instrumentation, data analysis, or FEA tools.
- Coursework in mechanics/materials is beneficial. Time commitment: ~8–10 hrs/week during the semester (or full-time in summer).
What you’ll do
- Contribute to projects in architected/origami metamaterials, topology optimization workflows, fracture/phase-field simulations, or AM fabrication & mechanical testing.
- Build reproducible tools (scripts, datasets, small libraries) and co-author posters or papers when appropriate.
- Options for Independent Work / Senior Thesis / summer research; credit or hourly compensation as funding allows.
How to apply
Email Prof. Paulino with: (1) a short paragraph on your interests & availability, (2) CV/resume, and (3) unofficial transcript. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as projects open.