We are always looking for outstanding candidates to join the group at the Case School of Engineering to explore the fantastic research projects in Soft Materials, Soft Electronics, and Soft Robots/Machines. 

Ph.D./MS Positions

Prospective Ph.D./MS students with strong motivation are encouraged to apply to the Ph.D./MS program in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Case School of Engineering. The research topics include but are not limited to soft materials, soft robotics, emerging electronics and energy devices, multifunctional metamaterials, bioinspired materials, and smart manufacturing. In your application, please indicate your interest in working with Dr. Cao at SME Laboratory. Prior to submitting your application, you are strongly encouraged to send your CV and a brief description of your research interest to Dr. Cao (ccao@case.edu) for consideration. 

 

Admitted graduate students in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Macromolecular Science & Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering are also welcome to contact Dr. Cao to discuss possible Ph.D./MS projects. 

 

Please refer to the details on the application deadlines and requirements at the Graduate School of CWRU. In the meanwhile, you are most welcome to check the external funding opportunity that you are qualified for and discuss with Dr. Cao for the support of your application. 

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Postdoctoral Positions

We seek highly creative and highly motivated postdoctoral research associates in soft materials, soft robotics, emerging electronics, multifunctional metamaterials, bioinspired materials, and advanced smart manufacturing. Qualified candidates should send his/her 1) CV, 2) a research statement (including research experience, achievements, and plan, <3 pages), 3) a full publication list, and 4) contact information of two referees to Dr. Cao (ccao@case.edu) for consideration.

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Undergraduate Research Positions
Motivated undergraduate students at any department of CWRU interested in research opportunities with the SME laboratory are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Cao (ccao@case.edu) for possible research projects.​ We expect the undergraduate can work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic environment and to be some of the most successful undergraduates in the country.

Visiting Scholars
We welcome highly motivated visiting scholars to join us, in particular in the areas of solid mechanics, bioinspired materials, 3D/4D printing, stretchable/printed/flexible electronics, biomaterials and biotechnology, soft robotics, MEMS/NEMS, and biomedical devices. If interested, please contact Dr. Cao (ccao@case.edu) for an inquiry. 

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