Graduate Student Work
Conduct research in a vibrant environment
Seize the unique opportunity to do research at a national laboratory located on the campus of a major research university. Work alongside the world’s top scientists conducting forefront research with meaningful societal impact.
What makes FRIB unique:
- The strong interaction between the experimental and theoretical scientists and the frequent visitors and users of the facility creates an open and academically stimulating atmosphere.
- FRIB is widely recognized for its cutting-edge research in nuclear science, nuclear astrophysics, accelerator physics, and engineering. This is evidenced by the large number of publications in high-quality refereed journals and invited talks at national and international conferences.
- Most graduate students are financially supported with research assistantships when working on thesis projects. Exceptional students can be awarded an FRIB fellowship.
- FRIB commits itself to fostering a safe and diverse work and research environment which values respect and personal integrity and fosters broad participation.
Explore new nuclear frontiers
As the premier rare isotope facility in the United States, FRIB is a high national priority, as expressed in the recommendations in the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee’s (NSAC) A New Era of Discovery: The 2023 Long Range Plan for Nuclear Science (PDF). NSAC is a federally chartered advisory committee to the U.S. Department of Energy and National Science Foundation. The experimental and theoretical insights gained at FRIB will lead to a comprehensive description of nuclei, elucidate the origin of the elements in the cosmos, provide an understanding of matter in the crust of neutron stars, and establish the scientific foundation for applications of nuclear science to society.
As a graduate student at FRIB, you have unmatched access to world-leading instrumentation, facilities, and expertise. You will also have access to world experts who frequently visit the laboratory and collaborate closely with local faculty. You’ll be engaged in all aspects of research to make meaningful contributions to your field of study.
Experimental science and nuclear theory
Graduate students in experimental nuclear science will be involved in all aspects of performing an experiment at FRIB:
- writing a proposal that will be reviewed by an external Program Advisory Committee;
- designing an experiment;
- setting up the hardware;
- writing data acquisition and analysis code;
- analyzing, simulating, and interpreting the results; and
- writing a manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal.
Similarly, theory students at FRIB will be involved in writing data acquisition and analysis code; analyzing, simulating, and interpreting the results; and writing a manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal.
Accelerator physics
Students in accelerator physics participate in the development of state-of-the-art technologies to create and manipulate beams of charged particles. Students greatly benefit from the in-house expertise and resources associated with running FRIB.
What’s it like working at FRIB?
As an MSU graduate student conducting research at FRIB, you will make valuable professional and personal connections. You’ll work alongside the world’s top scientists to make leading discoveries and work with like-minded researchers to advance scientific exploration and research.
Become career-ready
Make professional connections that will help you launch your career while gaining experience and developing skills that will set you apart. Our graduate students:
- take an active part in the organization and daily business of FRIB and are represented on most laboratory committees;
- routinely present their new results at important national and international conferences. This provides exposure to senior colleagues and helps in finding new job opportunities after graduation;
- administer their own office space, meet weekly, and organize their own seminar series; and
- contribute to many of the outreach activities offered through FRIB and participate in the governance process of the College of Natural Science and the Council of Graduate Students.
Make personal connections
When you are not taking part in exciting, rewarding research at the FRIB Laboratory, there are many opportunities to get involved in student organizations at MSU:
- Women and Minorities in the Physical Sciences (WaMPS) is an all-inclusive graduate student organization at Michigan State University that strives to promote diversity in the physical sciences by encouraging women and minorities to pursue the field, as well as working to create an inviting and supportive community for those who are already part of the physical sciences. WaMPS aims to include students from all backgrounds, so the group is comprised of a variety of students in the physics department (and some nuclear chemists). WaMPS is supported by MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
- Council of Graduate Students (COGS) is the authorized student government on campus representing all graduate/professional students at Michigan State University. Its mission is to promote the academic, social, and economic goals of graduate and professional students. COGS accomplishes its mission through advocacy, innovative programming, and collaboration with other student organizations and the academic and administrative units of the university.
Our graduate students also enjoy activities like physics choir, or exploring the arts and culture in the Lansing region. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to spend time with fellow scientists and graduate students, building friendships that will last a lifetime.
Visit the MSU Office of Admissions website for information about additional student organizations and networking opportunities.
Feel welcomed and valued
Scientific users, students, and employees at the FRIB Laboratory share a common interest—to contribute to society through scientific discovery. Here, you can expect to be included and valued in a welcoming and respectful environment that advances excellence and fosters participation.
We are committed to fostering a safe and diverse work and research environment which values respect and personal integrity. Because of this commitment, the world’s best and brightest minds choose FRIB to make world-leading discoveries.