PhD position in Machine Learning for Engineering Design

This is a general search and is not specific to a particular project so we are prioritizing scientific excellence and fit to the laboratory over any particular topic area. General areas of current research interest for the lab include, but are not limited to:

• Generative Models
• Transfer Learning
• Formal Systems and Program Analysis
• Self-Supervised Learning
• Intersection of Mathematical Topology and Machine Learning
• Agentic/Multi-Agent coordination for Engineering Design
• Industrial Robotics and multi-robot coordination
• Development of Engineering Benchmarks or Evaluation Frameworks
• Other emerging areas at the intersection of ML/AI and Engineering Design, As a Doctoral researcher, your responsibilities may include:
• Individual or collaborative work on research including writing publications and contributing toward individual or shared code bases
• Collaborating, where relevant, with partners from industry, academia, and national labs to translate real-world needs into scientific or technical questions
• Learning new skills in specialized graduate areas via courses and other educational offerings, or through self-learning
• Assisting with the teaching mission of the laboratory, which includes working with Masters and/or Bachelors thesis students as well as course assistance as needed
• Generally being a good lab citizen by assisting in various shared laboratory administrative tasks shared by the team, We look forward to receiving your online application through this portal and it should contain the following documents in PDF format (make sure your last name is on all the documents and in the file name):
• A Curriculum Vitae or Resume detailing your relevant past experience including a list of publications (if relevant).
• A Research Statement or Statement of Purpose describing why you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. position (and in our lab in particular), what types of research topics related to the lab would interest you and what background or past experience you have that makes you well suited for those topics. (1-2 pages)
• A copy of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
• A short Cover Letter listing possible time windows you would be available during the weeks of March 16th and March 23rd for a Zoom interview, as well as your desired start date. This is to help us facilitate logistics and scheduling for the Zoom interviews, and will not affect candidate evaluation.
• Contact information for two references, which can be appended to the CV or provided as a separate PDF if you prefer. No reference letters are needed at the time of application, and we will notify you in advance if we intend to reach out to them or request letters.

Do you have experience in Robotics?, Do you have a Master's degree?, * We are open to diverse educational backgrounds of applicants which can include engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics or other degree backgrounds

• Students in the lab typically have interests in or expertise in one of the following areas: Machine Learning, Optimization, Simulation or Robotics
• Having a strong publication record across either competitive journals or Computer Science conference venues is a plus, but not a requirement, especially for those with practical experience or non-traditional career paths
• Experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments or Software Engineering best practices is a plus, but not a requirement
• You should possess strong English language skills and the ability to work successfully and collaboratively on diverse, multinational teams

You can look forward to:

• World-class research infrastructure and excellent working conditions guided by our common understanding of a supportive shared work culture
• Opportunities to work with a diverse, motivated and multicultural team in a creative research environment
• An rich intellectual environment within the lab and the university that includes top scholars from across the globe
• Support for personalized professional development and mentoring with the ability to build a strong support network for your future career and be part of a laboratory with a strong track record of placing employees into competitive research positions, professorships and industrial R&D