Positions

Join the SME Laboratory

We currently have two Ph.D. openings and one postdoctoral position available in the Laboratory for Soft Machines & Electronics (SME Lab) at the Case School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU).

Our group conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of the design, fabrication, control, and optimization of soft materials, soft electronics, and soft robotic systems, aiming to develop next-generation technologies for healthcare, agriculture, energy systems, advanced manufacturing, national security, and space exploration.

We welcome highly motivated students and researchers who are excited about developing innovative materials, devices, and robotic systems that bridge fundamental science with real-world applications.

Ph.D. and M.S. Positions

Prospective students with strong motivation and research interests are encouraged to apply to the Ph.D. or M.S. programs in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Case School of Engineering.

Research topics include, but are not limited to:

Soft and active materials
Soft robotics and intelligent machines
Flexible, stretchable, and printed electronics
Emerging energy devices and self-powered systems
Multifunctional metamaterials
Bioinspired materials and structures
Advanced and smart manufacturing technologies

In your application, please indicate your interest in working with Dr. Changyong (Chase) Cao and the SME Laboratory.

Before submitting your application, you are strongly encouraged to send your CV and a brief description of your research interests to Dr. Cao (ccao@case.edu) for consideration.

Students admitted to related graduate programs—including 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 potential research opportunities.

For application deadlines and admission requirements, please refer to the Graduate School of Case Western Reserve University website. Applicants are also encouraged to explore external fellowship opportunities, which may further support their studies.

Postdoctoral Positions

We seek highly creative and motivated postdoctoral researchers to join our interdisciplinary research team.

Relevant research areas include:

Soft materials and mechanics
Soft robotics and actuators
Flexible and emerging electronics
Multifunctional metamaterials
Bioinspired materials and structures
Advanced and smart manufacturing

Qualified candidates should send the following materials to Dr. Cao (ccao@case.edu):

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Research statement (~1500 words) describing research experience, achievements, and future research plans
Complete publication list
Contact information for two professional references

Undergraduate Research Positions

We seek students who are curious, collaborative, and capable of working both independently and as part of a dynamic research team. Motivated undergraduate students from any department at CWRU who are interested in research opportunities in the SME Laboratory are encouraged to contact Dr. Cao (ccao@case.edu).

Students will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects while developing skills in engineering design, advanced fabrication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Admitted students must commit to at least 10 hours per week to ensure sustained engagement and meaningful progress.

Visiting Scholars

We welcome visiting scholars and international collaborators interested in joining the SME Laboratory.

Research areas of particular interest include:

Solid mechanics of advanced materials
Bioinspired materials and structures
3D/4D printing and additive manufacturing
Stretchable, printed, and flexible electronics
Biomaterials and biotechnology
Soft robotics and intelligent machines
MEMS/NEMS and biomedical devices

Interested scholars are encouraged to contact Dr. Cao (ccao@case.edu) to discuss potential collaborations.