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Graduate Research Opportunities

Develop cutting-edge skills, contribute to groundbreaking publications, and launch your career in an NSF-funded Center for Chemical Innovation. With 45% of our alumni pursuing advanced STEM degrees and 40% securing industry positions, MONET offers endless possibilities in polymer science and beyond.

Innovative Research Opportunities


MONET's Graduate Research Program offers unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge polymer science projects across multiple disciplines:

  • Chemistry

  • Engineering

  • Data Science

  • Environmental Science

  • Materials Science


Our research spans four key areas:

  1. Nanotechnology for human health and agriculture

  2. Silicon-based polymers

  3. Dynamic networks and loop equilibria

  4. Mechanochemistry in hydrogels


Collaborative Environment

Join a diverse team of researchers across top U.S. institutions, including:

University of California - San Diego, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Duke University, MIT, Columbia University, University of Washington, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, and Morehouse College.


Career Development

As a MONET graduate researcher, you'll benefit from:

  • Mentorship from leading experts in the field

  • Opportunities to present at national conferences

  • Co-authorship on high-impact publications

  • Networking with industry partners

"MONET provided me with the resources and mentorship to take my research to the next level, opening doors I never thought possible." - MONET Alumnus

Impactful Outcomes

Our program has a strong track record of success:

  • 45% of alumni pursue advanced STEM degrees

  • 40% secure industry positions at companies like Meta and Hoya Vision Care

  • 15% enter government research positions or entrepreneurship


Commitment to Diversity

MONET is dedicated to broadening participation in STEM:

  • 43.7% overall URM representation, surpassing our 31.8% goal

  • 57.1% URM representation among faculty

  • Partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions like Morehouse College

"MONET's diverse research environment fostered innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving that accelerated my scientific growth." - MONET Alumna

Professional Development

Enhance your skills beyond the lab:

  • Scientific writing workshops

  • Grant writing seminars

  • Leadership development programs

  • Industry networking events

Eligibility:

  1. Completed bachelor's degree in a STEM field

  2. Accepted into a doctoral program at a MONET-affiliated university

  3. Passion for polymer science and collaborative research

  4. Commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM

How to Apply:

  1. Review MONET's research areas and affiliated universities on our website: https://www.monetcci.org/overview

  2. Contact a Senior Investigator whose research aligns with your interests: https://www.monetcci.org/our-team

  3. Email monet-cci@duke.edu with:

  • Your CV

  • A brief statement of research interests (500 words max)

  • Name of the MONET Senior Investigator you're interested in working with

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged for full consideration.

MONET is committed to diversifying all STEM fields by broadening participation in underrepresented groups.  


We are always looking for new, broadening participation partners. 


To propose a broadening participation partnership, please contact us here.

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