Call for Applications - 2026-2027 ICTAS Matter Labs GRA
Program Overview
The Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) invites applications for four (4) competitive Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions embedded within the ICTAS Matter Labs, including the Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory (NCFL), the Tiedemann Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL), and the Biomaterials Characterization Laboratory (BioMCL). Appointments are designed for exceptional doctoral students prepared to operate and advance state-of-the-art shared research infrastructure at the highest technical and professional standards. The ICTAS Matter Labs provide advanced instrumentation spanning atomic-resolution electron microscopy, ensemble materials characterization tools, and sample preparation techniques for advanced imaging of sensitive materials (e.g., biological tissue, polymers). Selected students will receive immersive, hands-on training while contributing meaningfully to methodological innovation and infrastructure excellence.
Key dates
- Applications open: March 6, 2026
- Application deadline: March 27, 2026
- Award notification: April 7, 2026
- Acceptance deadline: April 17, 2026
Appointment terms
- Term: August 10, 2026 – August 9, 2027
- Stipend: $37,000–$40,000 (12 months; includes summer support)
- Tuition: Full academic-year tuition remission (no summer tuition remission)
- Effort cap: Maximum 20 hours/week (including summer)
- Advisor endorsement and protected time commitment are required.
Areas of interest
We expect to award four (4) GRA positions aligned with the following areas of interest.
- AI Integration with Advanced Characterization and Fabrication Tools (NCFL) – Explore machine learning-enabled automation, computer vision integration, and advanced workflow optimization. Contact Jarret Wright (jarret_wright@vt.edu).
- In Situ TEM Development (NCFL) – Expand atomic-resolution in situ experimentation including heating, biasing, and dynamic materials analysis. For further details, contact Hongyu Wang, Ph.D. (hongyuw@vt.edu).
- Advanced Instrumentation (MCL) – Demonstrate high-level operational competency across multimodal materials characterization systems within the MCL. Contact Rituraj Borgohain, Ph.D. (borgohain@vt.edu).
- Biological Sample Preparation (BioMCL) – Master advanced biomaterials specimen preparation within the BioMCL and demonstrate high-quality imaging and data analysis at the NCFL. Contact Sharad Jaswandkar, Ph.D. (sharadj@vt.edu) or Hongyu Wang, Ph.D. (hongyuw@vt.edu).
- Other – We recognize that many impactful projects may not be aligned with specific areas of interest listed above. For those projects, please contact a laboratory manager at the Matter Labs facility best suited for the work (NCFL, MCL, or BioMCL) to determine if your project would be competitive for Matter Labs GRA funding.
Selection framework (aligned with NSF Merit Review Principles)
- Intellectual Merit: Demonstrated technical depth, originality, and capacity to advance state-of-the-art instrumentation. Evidence of rigorous analytical capability and research productivity.
- Broader Impacts: Contribution to shared research infrastructure excellence, interdisciplinary enablement, and outreach. Commitment to safety, reproducibility, training impact, and professional conduct.
Application Requirements
- Complete Application Form.
- Strong letter of support from primary advisor affirming technical excellence and protected time.