Join

We are currently soliciting applications for multiple fully-funded PhD positions in algorithmic foundations of high-reliability autonomy.

Areas of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Certifiable machine learning, perception, and control
• Optimization
• Decentralized learning, perception, and control algorithms for multi-agent systems
• Algorithms for tractable approximate Bayesian inference at scale
• Multi-sensor fusion (including multi-modal mapping, localization, and navigation)
• Visual-inertial state estimation for high-dynamic vehicles
• Dense and semi-dense geometric perception
• Uncertainty quantification in machine learning
• Physics-based machine learning
• Planning under uncertainty
• Field robotics (including autonomous ground, marine, and aerial vehicles)
  

Qualifications

• BS or MS in mathematics, computer science, electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated aptitude for abstract & mathematical reasoning, and a strong command of the fundamentals of scientific computation (multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and probability and statistics).
• Strong software engineering skills, and programming proficiency in at least one scientific computing language (C/C++, Python, Matlab, Julia, or similar).  Fluency in C++ is especially desired.
• High self-motivation, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Application

If you are interested in pursuing graduate study in one of Northeastern’s programs in Mathematics, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, and would like to work with NEURAL specifically, please submit an application to the appropriate program and list Prof. Rosen as a point of contact — this will help to ensure that your packet is flagged for his attention. (You may also wish to send him a brief email letting us know that you’ve applied — although please note that we cannot make snap decisions on individual applicants in advance of the regular admissions process.)

As part of preparing your application, we also strongly encourage you to address the following points in your application materials (i.e. your personal statement and supporting letters of recommendation):

• The specific kinds of research that you are interested in pursuing in graduate school, and how this might align with the research being conducted in NEURAL. (Note that answering this question may first require you to familiarize yourself with the research that we are doing.  We would suggest that you read some of our recent papers to get a better sense of what we’re about, particularly this one.)
  
  
• The specific ways in which your educational background and prior experience will equip you to pursue your intended graduate research.
  

This information will help us to determine whether you would be a good fit for our group (and also whether we are the right fit for you.)

Applications received by Dec 15, 2023 are guaranteed full consideration, but review will continue on a rolling basis thereafter until all positions are filled.

As part of our main research efforts, we often have semester- or year-long research projects that are suitable for Master’s students.

Qualifications

If you are a current Northeastern Master’s student interested in working with us, please read the following:

• Almost all of our projects involve a stiff dose of mathematical modeling. If you don’t like math, we are probably not the right fit for you.
• Almost all of our projects involve a fair amount of coding in a scientific computing language (C++, Python, Matlab, or Julia). If you don’t like coding, we are probably not the right fit for you.
• Because robotics is such a multidisciplinary field, there’s a fair amount of background material that one needs to know to be prepared to conduct independent research. If you are in the Robotics Master’s program, you should take at least one of EECE 5550, EECE 5554, or EECE 7150 (or a substantially equivalent course) prior to inquiring about project opportunities.

Application

If you meet the above criteria, please feel free to reach out around the start of the semester to inquire about research opportunities by sending an email containing your CV (attached as a PDF file) with the subject line “NEURAL MS Application” to d.rosen@northeastern.edu.