The University of Texas at San Antonio invites applications for fully funded PhD positions

Scholarship: Fully-funded
Degree: Bachelor, Master, Ph.D
Nationality: International Students
Location: USA
Application deadlines: Open


Scholarship Description:

One Ph.D. graduate research assistant position with financial support in Civil Engineering (Construction Science and Management Track) is available in the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management (CECM) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The expected start date is Spring/Fall 2026. The student will conduct multidisciplinary research in the area of human-robot collaboration, robotics and AI with applications of construction engineering and management, and civil infrastructure management.

Dr. Jiannan Cai is an assistant professor in Construction Science and Management at UTSA. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. Her research interests include creating innovative sensing, artificial intelligence, and robotics (particularly human-robot collaboration) methods to enhance construction, civil infrastructure and building management. Her research has received fundings from various agencies, including National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), University Transportation Center (UTC), among others. To find details about the research lab, please visit AICon Lab 

https://jiannancai.wixsite.com/aicon-lab

Available Subjects:

  • Construction Automation and Robotics

Eligibility criteria:

  • Students with a M.S. degree in civil engineering, construction engineering and management, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or other related fields are preferred.
  • Students with programming skills and experience are preferred (Python, C++).
  • Students with GenAI, deep learning (e.g., Pytorch) and robotics (e.g., ROS, Unity 3D, Gazebo, MuJoCo) skills and experience are preferred.
  • For international students, TOEFL (or IELTS) are required.
  • For program requirements, please visit Civil Engineering PhD program https://future.utsa.edu/programs/doctoral/civil-engineering/

Application Procedure:

Please send CV, transcripts, writing samples, and inquiries to Dr. Jiannan Cai 

([email protected]).