Graduate Research Fellow (A. Crawford)

Supervisor: Assia Crawford | Email: acrawford1@tulane.edu | 1 position available | Application deadline: Aug 17, 2026

About the role

This project investigates how mycelium-based bio-textiles and composites can be cultivated, shaped, and structurally integrated into architectural-scale installations through the use of digital fabrication technologies. At its core, the research asks: how can biologically grown materials be systematically developed and engineered to function as viable, sustainable alternatives within design and architectural systems? Addressing this question requires the integration of biological growth processes with computational design and fabrication workflows, positioning the project at the intersection of material science, environmental design, and emerging biofabrication practices.

Through sustained laboratory work, the research assistant will acquire hands-on experience in biological cultivation techniques, including sterile procedures, substrate preparation, and environmental calibration for controlled mycelial growth. These experiences will introduce the student to experimental rigor and reproducibility, fostering an understanding of how biological systems can be manipulated and optimized for material production.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the lab environment, ensuring cleanliness and organization
• Run experiments involving biological cultivation and material production
• Cast with living organisms and grow mycelium textiles and biocomposites
• Access and review relevant literature to help structure experiments
• Perform occasional fabrication using traditional and digital making skills
• Troubleshoot, pivot, and think critically and independently to assess and monitor work
• Understand and align daily tasks with the broader research goals and intentions

Requirements

• Available for 12 hours per week during regular working hours, in installments of either two 6-hour sessions or three 4-hour sessions
• Ability to work in-person on campus (Uptown location)
• Intense focus, precision, and conscientiousness in lab work
• Ability to maintain a clean lab environment
• Interest in pursuing research in academia or commercially (preferred)

Training will be provided in person. Work will primarily take place in a web lab in Stern Hall and occasionally in the wood shop, mill house, ceramics lab, or robotics lab in the Small Center.

Schedule

12 hours per week during regular working hours, structured as either two 6-hour sessions or three 4-hour sessions.