Join Us
I am excited to invite applications for multiple PhD positions in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Research Interests
My research interests are at the intersection of cyber-physical systems, intelligent transportation, smart cities, and novel machine learning algorithms including quantum machine learning and quantum communication. My research is dedicated to enhancing the safety, resilience, security, and reliability of the nation's infrastructure and community. To accomplish my goals, I am exploring the synergy of computation, control, and communication.
Open Positions
I am looking for self-motivated MS and PhD students who have interests in pursuing research with applications in intelligent transportation, autonomous driving, smart cities, their simulation and field experiments, quantum communication, quantum machine learning, and the synergy between them. If you have even a slight interest in these topics, or just want to explore, or would like to discuss potential opportunities, please send your CV, transcript(s), and proof of English language proficiency via email (rahul.bhadani@uah.edu). You may also want to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/GABiCUigDgF2p8Yd7. Applications for Fall, Spring, and Summer intake are available.
The advertised position is fully-funded. It means PhD students are not required to pay any tuition fees; they will be provided with health insurance and a livable stipend to cover their living costs in Huntsville, Alabama. They will serve as graduate research assistants or teaching assistants and are expected to be involved in original research as mandated by the goals of sponsored projects.
Please apply through the UAH website: https://www.uah.edu/admissions/graduate/apply-for-admission. You are not required to hire any consultancy services or a third-party services to apply to US-based PhD positions.
More details about tuition waiver and assistantship: https://www.uah.edu/admissions/graduate/financial-aid/assistantships.
Please fill the form for the assistantship applications:https://www.uah.edu/images/colleges/graduate-studies/Graduate_Assistantship_Application_Fillable.pdf.
How to contact me
I am okay with cold emails; however, please be specific with your emails. Provide some basic details about yourself, such as your current or previous institutions, your undergraduate major, and your country of residence, prior research experience, GPA, English proficiency score, any work experience, etc. An example of a cold email can be:
"Hello, I am X. I recently read your work on X topic and am interested in pursuing a follow-up project based [provide some well-thought-out details] on it. If you could provide feedback on the feasibility of this project, share tips from your experience regarding potential challenges, or discuss it further with me, I would greatly appreciate it!"
Be specific in your email. The common mistake about cold-emails are claiming papers you have read that don't exist, lying about topics that you don't know, or just copy-pasting a template and sending generic emails. Such emails will be deleted without any further considerations.
Who should apply?
If you have a bachelor's degree in:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Information Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Engineering Physics
- Transportation Engineering
or any other closely related disciplines with GPA > 3.1, you are eligible to apply.
What technical skills are required?
The following skills are required to be a successful PhD student in my lab:
- Experience with a programming language
- Basic physics
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus
- Basic Electrical Circuits
The following skills are highly sought (not all are required):
- C++, Python
- Machine Learning
- ROS/ROS2
- Control Systems
- Quantum Mechanics
What soft skills are required?
An ideal PhD student should possess the following soft skills:
- Self-learning ability
- Diligence
- Good public speaking skills
- Passion for innovation
Preparation before you apply
You will need to take TOEFL (TOEFL iBT: 72 (no sub-score below 18, 25+ for Graduate Teaching Assistantship in the Speaking section), IELTS (desired score 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5).
A GRE score is not mandatory, but preference will be given to applicants with a GRE score (ideally, 300+).
You will be required to submit a statement of purpose detailing your prior education and research background (if any), your motivation to pursue a PhD in a specific research area, and your interests in UAH and the ECE department.
You will be required to provide three names who will submit letters of recommendation on your behalf, providing evidence of your competitiveness and fitness for graduate school.
You will also be required to submit an unofficial copy of your undergraduate transcript and an official transcript upon joining UAH.
Why come to the United States for a PhD in Engineering?
The United States offers a competitive advantage in terms of cutting-edge research in engineering and applied science and is at the forefront of innovation. The US is home to leading engineering and information technology companies. PhD students are able to collaborate with leading scientists and researchers. They are provided with competitive PhD stipends and health insurance. Research funding supports students' conference travel, publication, and professional development.
Why UAH?
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is situated in the city of Huntsville. It is a rapidly growing city and home to a number of engineering companies supporting research and technology endeavors. The cost of living in Huntsville is affordable compared to most parts of the United States. Huntsville is home to several government and corporate organizations that provide jobs with above-average salaries that are more of a career than just something to make ends meet. Median housing prices are below the national average. The climate in Huntsville and North Alabama, in general, is moderate, with neither severe winters nor extreme summers.
If you are looking for a place away from crowds, want to avoid the nuisance of traffic, and love the outdoors, the city of Huntsville is for you. The city is also within 2-3 hours of driving distance from Nashville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Memphis.
