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RPBS Lab · Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering · Indiana University Bloomington

About the Opportunity

The RPBS Lab is actively recruiting Ph.D. students to join our founding team. Graduate students will have the opportunity to work on pioneering research at the intersection of ultrasound technology, synthetic biology, and cancer immunotherapy — developing the next generation of non-invasive biomedical tools.

Students will receive rigorous training in interdisciplinary research methods, mentorship in scientific writing and presentation, and support for career development in academia or industry.

Potential Research Topics

• Design and optimization of ultrasound-responsive genetic switches for controlling immune cell behavior
• Mechanobiological studies of how focused ultrasound modulates the tumor microenvironment
• Development of wearable or implantable acoustic devices for continuous therapeutic ultrasound delivery
• Engineering enhanced CAR T cells with ultrasound-activatable gene circuits for solid tumor therapy
• Computational modeling of ultrasound-tissue interactions and acoustic field design

Qualifications

• Required: B.S. or M.S. in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, biology, biophysics, or a related field
• Strong academic record and genuine curiosity for interdisciplinary research
• Prior research experience (academic or industry) is highly valued
• Familiarity with one or more of: cell biology, molecular cloning, signal processing, acoustics, or programming (Python/MATLAB)
• Effective written and oral communication skills

How to Join

Ph.D. students are admitted through the Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering (ISE) at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington. Applicants should apply to the ISE Ph.D. program and mention interest in the RPBS Lab in their application materials.

Prospective students from related departments (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science) who wish to rotate in the RPBS Lab are also welcome to reach out.

What We Offer

• Full tuition coverage and competitive stipend through research or teaching assistantships
• Access to cutting-edge facilities including ultrasound platforms, cell culture suites, and imaging cores
• A highly collaborative, supportive, and inclusive lab culture
• Opportunities to present at national and international conferences
• Mentorship tailored to individual career goals — whether academic, industry, or beyond