Fully Funded PhD in Medical Robotics at Vanderbilt University - Dong Lab

About the Position

The Dong Lab at Vanderbilt University, led by Dr. Xiaoguang Dong, is offering fully funded PhD positions in medical robotics and magnetic actuation. The lab focuses on developing miniature robots for surgical applications and catheter guidance systems using innovative magnetic actuation techniques.

Funding & Benefits

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage for 4-5 years
• Stipend: $34,000 - $38,000 per year (competitive) for 4-5 years
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage
• Research Funding: Access to lab equipment and materials
• Conference Travel: Funding for international conferences annually

Research Focus

• Miniature Medical Robots: Developing small-scale robots for minimally invasive surgery
• Magnetic Actuation: Creating magnetic systems for controlled movement inside the body
• Biomedical Devices: Designing innovative medical devices for clinical applications
• Soft Robotics: Creating flexible robots that can navigate biological environments
• Catheter Guidance Systems: Developing advanced systems for vascular interventions

Eligibility and Requirements

• Academic Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Research Experience: Prior experience in robotics, medical devices, or magnetic systems (preferred but not required)
• GPA: 3.5+ (on 4.0 scale) for competitive application
• English Proficiency: TOEFL 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (for international students)

Application Process

1. Contact Dr. Dong with CV and research statement.
2. Submit graduate application to Vanderbilt Engineering.
3. Departmental review.
4. Interview with lab members.
5. Funding decision.
6. Begin PhD program.

Required Documents

• CV/Resume highlighting academic and research experience
• Research Statement (2-3 pages)
• Transcripts (all undergraduate and graduate records)
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• English Proficiency Scores (TOEFL or IELTS if applicable)

Timeline & Deadlines

Stage	Date
Application Opens	September 2026
Priority Deadline	15 December 2026
Final Deadline	15 January 2027
Decision Notification	March 2027
Program Start	August 2027

Official Link

https://www.vanderbilt.edu

Important Notes

• research on next-generation medical robots for minimally invasive surgery.
• Direct collaboration with Vanderbilt University Medical Center for clinical translation.
• Guaranteed funding for 4-5 years through NIH and NSF grants.
• Dr. Dong is an NIH R01 and R21 grant recipient.

Contact

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.

About Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. It offers undergraduate, graduate and professional education across arts, sciences, engineering, education, law, medicine and other fields. Its community supports interdisciplinary research and teaching, connecting university scholarship with questions in health, technology, society and the broader public sphere.

Official website: https://www.vanderbilt.edu

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: 15 December 2026 (Priority). Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.

Open the official application page ↗

Application guides

• How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
• How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps