Students interested in the lab should apply through the official KAIST Graduate Admissions process to the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (or related programs). Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further discussion.

Research Areas

PhD students will contribute to one or more of the following:

• Biomimetic Polymer Synthesis: Sequence-controlled and protein-inspired polymer design.

• Adaptive & Dynamic Materials: Stimuli-responsive, self-healing, and reprocessable systems.

• Biomaterials: Adhesives, scaffolds, and delivery systems for tissue repair and regeneration.

• Sustainable Materials: Closed-loop recyclable polymers and environmentally benign materials.​

🎯 Candidate Profile

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Bioengineering, or related fields.

• Strong interest in interdisciplinary and translational research.

• Motivated to work in a collaborative, international environment.

• Excellent problem-solving skills.

Prior experience in polymer synthesis or biomaterials is beneficial but not required.

📌 Please check KAIST graduate admissions deadlines and requirements through the official portal.

One such position lies at the interface of

• Biological Evaluation of Advanced Materials and Therapeutic Systems

This research area focuses on assessing the biological activity, compatibility, and performance of newly developed materials and therapeutic platforms using in vitro and in vivo models.

Researchers in this area will contribute to:

• Culturing mammalian cells and performing cell-based assays, including fluorescence imaging, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and cell sorting.

• Applying molecular and biochemical techniques such as PCR, western blotting, ELISA, and related assays.

• Establishing and using animal models to evaluate the biological response and therapeutic potential of materials.

• Conducting tissue processing, histological analysis, and immunohistochemical staining.

• Integrating advanced profiling approaches, including single-cell or tissue-level omics, when relevant to the project.

Experience with cell culture, molecular biology, animal studies, histology, or omics-based workflows is especially valuable.

​

🎯 Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in chemistry, bioengineering, materials science, biology, or a closely related field.

• A strong record of scientific independence, problem-solving ability, and creativity.

• The ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

• Experience supporting, training, or mentoring students and early-career researchers.

• Passion for translational research.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.​

​

📩 Exceptional candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Pal directly at [subhajit.pal@berkeley.edu] with

• CV

• Cover letter describing research interests

• 1-2 page summary of previous research experience

• Contact information for three references

📩 How to apply

If you are interested in joining, contact Prof. Pal directly at [subhajit.pal@berkeley.edu] with

• CV

• Cover letter describing research interests

• The candidate may be asked to provide contact information for references