Opportunities
Our work is highly interdisciplinary spanning science, engineering, and design. We are looking to work with highly-motivated individuals who are interested in tackling real-world challenges in digital fabrication and sustainability.
Check out our opportunities below:Prospective Ph.D. Students
📢 We're currently seeking two highly-motivated Ph.D. students to join our lab starting in Fall 2027.
We are interested in individuals who want to research digital fabrication and sustainability, and have strong experience in any of the following:
- Generative design for multimaterial fabrication
- Multimaterial simulation (e.g., with FEA)
- Computational design and simuation (using tools like CGAL, Grasshopper, etc.)
- Development of new 3D printers and control software
- 3D-printable material development and testing
- Electromechanical design
- Electronics design and simulation
- Digital fabrication (e.g., 3D printing, CNC milling, injection molding)
- Sustainable design and/or life-cycle assessment
- Computer graphics techniques
- AI for design automation
Students interested in obtaining a Ph.D. under our lab can apply through any/all of the following programs based on your experience and interests:
- ATLAS Creative Technology and Design PhD Program
- Computer Science PhD Program
- Mechanical Engineering PhD Program
If you're unsure about whether you're a good fit, fill out this form. We'll reach out if your background and interests align well with the work we do in the lab. We receive a lot of inquiries—so even if you don't hear back, you should still apply to the Ph.D. program(s). You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!
Master's Students at CU Boulder
We're always looking for highly-motivated students who are interested in the lab's research to work with us. Master's students may work with through in two ways. They may do an independent study for course credit under the supervision of Prof. Rivera during which they either work on an existing project or create their own that aligns with the vision of the lab. Alternatively, when funding permits, we also offer paid research positions.
To apply for please fill out this application. We'll get in touch if your background and interests seem like a good fit.
Undergraduate Students at CU Boulder
We're committed to mentoring and engaging undergraduate students in research. Research is an opportunity for you to gain valuable skills and work on the boundaries of knowledge. CU's offers a variety of internal paid research programs to support you working on a research project throughout the academic year or in the summer:
- Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA)
- Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (CU SPUR)
- McNair Scholars Program - for students who are first generation to college, low income, and/or members of ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate school and interested in post-graduate education.
- Other undergraduate opportunities at CU Boulder - this includes information about the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).
Postdoctoral Researchers
The lab currently does not have direct funding for post-doctoral researchers. However, if you believe our lab might be a good fit for you, we're open to pursing funded fellowship opportunities with you such as:
- CU Boulder Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellowship for Diversity Program
- CRA/CCC Computing Innovation Fellowship (CIFellows)
If you're interested in pursing one of these or a similar opportunity, please fill out this form to get in touch.
Other Positions
We're open to hosting visiting students and scholars as well as high school interns depending on research interests, project needs, and funding circumstances. If you've made it this far, why not get in touch 🙂?