PhD in Nanoscience

UNC Greensboro’s Ph.D. in Nanoscience prepares scientists to conduct advanced, interdisciplinary research at the nanoscale. Offered through the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN), the program brings together chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, computation, and related disciplines to investigate materials and biological systems whose properties and behavior emerge at extremely small scales. The Nanoscience Ph.D. program offers two concentrations: Frontier Materials, or Synthetic Biology.

Doctoral students combine advanced coursework with extensive laboratory and dissertation research, working alongside faculty on scientific problems involving nanomaterials, synthetic biology, computational nanotechnology, nanoscale characterization, sustainability, and other emerging applications of nanoscience. The program is designed for students pursuing research-intensive careers in academia, industry, government laboratories, biotechnology, advanced materials, and other technology-driven fields.

PhD in Nanoscience Program Distinctions

The Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering gives doctoral students access to interdisciplinary faculty expertise and specialized research facilities designed for nanoscale science and engineering. Students work across traditional disciplinary boundaries, applying concepts from the physical, chemical, biological, analytical, statistical, and computational sciences to complex research questions.

Located at Gateway Research Park in Greensboro, JSNN also connects academic research with industry, government, and other research partners, giving doctoral students opportunities to understand how fundamental nanoscale discoveries can lead to new materials, technologies, and applications.

Student Support and Resources

The JSNN Nanoscience PhD program offers specializations in either Materials Science and Nanomaterials or Synthetic Biology, enabling students to conduct research across a wide array of topics, including advanced materials, nanoelectronics, biotechnology, and nanomedicine. Students benefit from a transdisciplinary curriculum that merges concepts from physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, mathematics, and computational science. This broad training prepares them to tackle complex challenges in fields like energy, medicine, electronics, and advanced materials.

• A typical timeframe for completing the Ph.D. on a full-time basis is four to five years; however, students may take up to seven academic years to complete all requirements for the degree.
• Students must gain the equivalent of two semesters of teaching experience. The teaching experience requirement may be met in several ways by working with your advisor.
• Ph.D. applications are processed on a continuing basis, and decisions on admission are made when the application file is complete
• Acceptance into the degree program is highly competitive, with several options of financial support while you pursue your degree.

Career Opportunities and Outcomes with a Phd in Nanoscience

Graduates of this degree program will be equipped to lead and manage advanced research initiatives in Nanotechnology and Nanoscience. These skills will enable them to propose and report on research and critically evaluate peers’ work. Additionally, they will possess the expertise to analyze and synthesize complex concepts, applying this knowledge to drive innovation and further advancements in the field. PhD graduates are in high demand across many high-growth industries, including medical devices, aerospace and defense, electronics and photonics, renewable energy, and academia. Career Paths include:

• Applied Physicist
• Principal Scientist
• Nanotechnology Engineer
• Advanced Manufacturing Engineer
• Biomedical Research Scientist
• Director of Research