Graduate Students

Our research lab is recruiting graduate (M.S. or Ph.D.) student to join in Spring or Fall 2027! Please share this opportunity with qualified candidates who may be interested.

The Zou Lab in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture at Montana State University (MSU), is recruiting graduate students to join the group in Spring
2027 or Fall
2027
. Selected students will receive interdisciplinary training spanning materials science, chemistry, and agricultural and food sciences and engineering. We thrive to build a collaborative, diverse, and supportive research group that empowers the next generation of scientists. The group's research focuses on the composition-structure-property relationships of bio-derived functional materials from agricultural resources, with the goal of developing innovative solutions that serve agricultural and food systems and advance the circular bioeconomy.

Prospective students may pursue research directions including but not limited to the processing and structural modification of plant proteins, and the design and engineering of protein- and polysaccharide-based materials derived from renewable natural resources and agricultural byproducts. These materials may be engineered into advanced systems such as hydrogels, scaffolds, coatings, and other functional materials. The critical societal challenges we are interested to address through research include advancing value-added agriculture, strengthening the resilience of agricultural and food systems, enhancing food security and safety, promoting sustainability, and improving human health.

• A genuine interest in science, seeking answers to scientific questions, and developing solutions to critical societal challenges with strong motivations.
• An interest in interdisciplinary research.
• Resilience in learning and the ability to embrace trial-and-error.
• High responsibility.
• Willing to thrive in a collaborative, supportive, and diverse research group that values teamwork, mutual respect, and shared success.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Completion of a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with strong academic record demonstrating readiness for graduate-level study.