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Open Positions

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Dr. Packard seeks several Ph.D.-bound graduate students to start in the 2024/2025 school years. Ph.D. students are commonly admitted directly to the group, so it is important to do two things:

  • Apply to USC for graduate school. USC Viterbi Doctoral Programs in Engineering and Computer Science  The application deadline for 2025 admission is December 15. Relevant degree programs include Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and others. *some of these programs may require co-advising
  • As early as possible, email Dr. Packard to inform her that you are applying/have applied and send a current resume detailing relevant coursework, research, and work experience. Please also include in the email a short description of which 1-3 topics in this list (Mechanical behavior of materials, Mechanics of materials, Deformation mechanisms and fracture, Ceramics, Semiconductors, Crystallography, Mathematics/Linear algebra) you are passionate about and just a few sentences of why you picked each.

SERVICE MEMBERS

Dr. Packard especially encourages US service members and Veterans from the Air Force, Space Force, and all other branches to apply. Special funding mechanisms may be available to support your position, given enough notice of your interest.

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

Dr. Packard seeks qualified post-doctoral researchers to start in the 2024/2025 school years. Post-doctoral hiring involves multiple steps. Please start by emailing Dr. Packard a full CV detailing relevant coursework, research, and work experience. Please also include in the email a short description of which 1-3 topics in this list (Mechanical behavior of materials, Mechanics of materials, Deformation mechanisms and fracture, Ceramics, Semiconductors, Crystallography, Mathematics/Linear algebra) you are passionate about and just a few sentences of why you picked each.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS

Dr. Packard will welcome undergraduate researchers to the laboratory soon- check back for more details.