Georgia Southern University is on an exciting trajectory toward R1 research university status, with growing investment in research infrastructure and faculty support for cutting-edge discoveries and interdisciplinary collaboration. Starting January 2026, the university will launch its brand-new Ph.D. program in Materials Science, plus the newly established Center for Advanced Materials Science in 2024, offering a unique opportunity to be part of its very first cohort.
Dr. Li, who joined Georgia Southern University at Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics/Center for Advanced Materials Science in August 2025, is establishing a research group focused broadly on cutting-edge and advanced functional and structural materials and devices, such as thermoelectric, high-entropy refractory alloys, elastocaloric materials, solid-state hydrogen storage for sustainable energy conversion and storage. Our lab leverages state-of-the-art core facilities and benefits from collaborations established by Dr. Li, creating a rich interdisciplinary environment. More information can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/wenjieli/home. Lab webpage will be updated soon!
Openings:
We are looking for talented Postdoctoral researchers (1 position opening immediately) and motivated Ph.D.studentst (1 from Fall 2026) who are eager to drive innovation, publish high-impact work, and collaborate across disciplines. Join us in building the next generation of materials for sustainable energy and aerospace applications, all while growing your career in a supportive and ambitious environment.
We are welcome master and undergraduate students all year around.
If you are interested, please send applications to Wenjie Li (wli@georgiasouthern.edu) with your CV and cover letter. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is fille.
Location
Located just 60 minutes from the beautiful historic city of Savannah (and yes−close to Costco and other conveniences!) Georgia Southern combines the charm of the Southeast with strong academic ambitions.
PI Bio
Dr. Li received his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, from Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. He earned a M.S. and B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Central South University, respectively. Prior to joining GSU, he was research professor at Penn State University and Postdoc at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on advances in functional and structural materials for sustainable energy and aerospace applications, tackling critical challenges across materials science and device engineering. Core research interests include, but are not limited to, thermoelectrics, hydrogen storage, elastocaloric materials, high-entropy alloys, and advanced ceramics.
In the past, Dr. Li has established dynamic collaborations that advance cutting-edge scientific research and promote practical applications in the realm of functional and structural materials and devices. Some of the esteemed partner institutions, both domestically and internationally, include Penn State University, Northwestern University, Virgina Tech, Portland State University, Colorado State University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, University of Tokyo and AIST, University of Trento, TU Darmstadt, Stockholm University, University of California Davis, and TU Berlin etc., and industries such as RTI international and Marlow in U.S., Leird Thermal System, Nanohmics Inc., etc.