The IMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program offers graduate students a unique opportunity to advance their research and technical expertise through immersive, hands-on apprenticeships within the Institute for Matter and Systems' state-of-the-art nanotechnology and characterization core facilities.

This program allows graduate students to work directly with expert staff scientists and faculty mentors, while mastering a range of advanced tools and techniques in materials characterization, spectroscopy, micro/nanofabrication, and process development.

Graduate apprentices must commit 10 hours per week to work within the IMS core facilities as a part of their graduate program, contributing to real-world research and facility operations. In return, IMS will support 50% of their graduate stipend and tuition.

Participation in the IMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program is viewed as an integrated part of a student’s graduate training—not an additional obligation—designed to complement and enhance their research experience. This position is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal. A mid-year review will be conducted to ensure that the arrangement is meeting expectations for both the student and the facility.

The IMS Graduate Apprenticeship Program is ideal for students looking to deepen their technical expertise, expand their interdisciplinary training, and develop career-ready skills in material science and nanotechnology. We offer apprenticeship opportunities both in our cleanroom and materials characterization facilities. Responsibilities will include process development, training new users, instrument calibration and maintenance, SOP and user guide development, sample testing for external users and industry partners, to name a few. No prior experience is required; the students will be trained by our expert staff and be assigned a facility mentor.