Job Openings
The University of Georgia (UGA) is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia and was founded in 1785, making it the oldest public university in the United States. UGA is known for its academic excellence, research prowess, vibrant campus life, and strong athletic programs. UGA is currently ranked 49th among national universities and 16th among public universities in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges ranking.
We are interested in expanding our research group by 5-7 Ph.D. students, one M.S. student, and 9 undergraduate researchers. Ph.D. positions are open to students who have completed their Master’s and are pursuing a Ph.D. or students who have completed their baccalaureate degree and applying for Ph.D. direct. To apply to the positions below, please email Beshoy Morkos (bmorkos@uga.edu).
Graduate Position – Ph.D. Student in Embedded Systems (Start Date Spring 2025 or Fall 2025)
We are seeking a Ph.D. student to join MODEL as an Embedded Systems Research Assistant for a USDA-funded project. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both low-level embedded systems programming and high-level problem-solving, with a focus on developing innovative solutions in software execution stacks and system hierarchies. As a Ph.D. student working on this USDA-funded project, you will collaborate closely with the research team to explore and develop innovative ideas related to software execution stacks and system hierarchies. Your role will involve designing and implementing embedded systems projects, particularly focusing on microcontrollers other than Arduino, such as the ESP32 or NRF series. You will be expected to utilize your programming skills in C, C++, and/or Rust for low-level embedded systems tasks, while also applying high-level programming languages like Python, MatLab, or R to solve complex problems and support the research objectives. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate big-picture thinking, identifying and pursuing pathways to successful project completion. Your contributions will include documenting and presenting research findings, which will help advance the team’s knowledge base and achieve the project’s objectives.
Qualifications:
· Proficiency in low-level programming languages such as C, C++, and/or Rust.
· Experience with microcontrollers, preferably ESP32 or NRF series, with hands-on project experience to demonstrate technical proficiency.
· Strong problem-solving skills using high-level programming languages like Python, MatLab, or R.
· Ability to think strategically and conceptualize complex systems, with a focus on achieving research goals.
· Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
Graduate Position – Ph.D. Student in Electrical Engineering (Start Date Spring 2025 or Fall 2025)
We are seeking a Ph.D. student to MODEL as an Electrical Engineering Research Assistant for a USDA-funded project. This position is ideal for a student with a strong background in circuit design and PCB layout, who is also proficient in soldering and circuit board assembly. As a Ph.D. student in this USDA-funded project, you will be responsible for designing and developing circuit layouts for innovative electronic solutions, using software such as EAGLE CAD or similar tools. Your work will involve creating and optimizing printed circuit boards (PCBs) for various applications, ensuring both functionality and reliability. Additionally, you will perform soldering and assembly of circuit boards, focusing on the high-quality and precise construction of prototypes. A key aspect of your role will be contributing to the development of new UGA intellectual property (IP) for a generic industrial equipment “smart adapter” product, which will initially be applied to pecan processing machinery and later expanded to other applications. You will collaborate closely with the research team to integrate your electrical designs with the overall project objectives, ensuring the creation of adaptable and scalable solutions. While coding is not required, an understanding of basic software design concepts will be helpful in facilitating effective collaboration with other team members working on the project.
Qualifications:
· Proficiency in circuit design and PCB layout using EAGLE CAD or similar software.
· Hands-on experience with soldering and circuit board assembly.
· Ability to work on complex electrical engineering projects, with a focus on developing practical, industry-relevant solutions.
· Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality work in both design and assembly tasks
· An understanding of basic software design concepts, facilitating better integration of hardware and software components.
Graduate Position – Ph.D. Student in Manufacturing (Start Date Spring 2025 or Fall 2025)
MODEL has an opening for a Ph.D. student working on funded research specializing in AI integration into manufacturing. You will be at the forefront of exploring and implementing groundbreaking technologies to revolutionize traditional manufacturing and industrial processes. Your expertise in coding and data analysis will be critical to drive innovation and develop advanced algorithms, models, and systems. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, data scientists, and industry experts to research, design, and implement novel solutions.
Qualifications:
· Proficiency in coding languages such as Python, Java, C++, or similar languages.
· Solid understanding of machine learning techniques, statistical analysis, and data visualization.
· Demonstrated ability to research, develop, and implement innovative solutions.
· Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.
· Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
· Familiarity with industrial control systems, sensors, and IoT devices.
This position is open to students who have completed their Master’s and are pursuing a Ph.D. or students who have completed their baccalaureate degree and applying for Ph.D. direct.
Graduate Position – Ph.D. Student in Engineering Education (Start Date Spring 2025 or Fall 2025)
MODEL has an opening for a dedicated and innovative Ph.D. student to join our research team as an Engineering Education Research Assistant, focusing on AI education and workforce upskilling. This position is ideal for a student with a strong interest in advancing engineering education through the integration of artificial intelligence and the development of strategies to enhance the skills of the future workforce.
As a Ph.D. student in this role, you will collaborate closely with the research team to design and implement educational programs and curricula that integrate AI into engineering education. Your work will involve conducting research on effective methods for upskilling the workforce in AI-related technologies, focusing on practical, industry-relevant skills. You will develop and evaluate educational tools and resources aimed at improving AI literacy and competency among students and professionals. Further, you will contribute to the creation of strategies and frameworks for incorporating AI into existing engineering education programs, ensuring these initiatives align with current industry needs. Your responsibilities will also include assisting in the dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and workshops, both within the academic community and to broader audiences. Throughout the project, you will work closely with faculty and industry partners to ensure that the educational initiatives are relevant and forward-thinking, addressing the evolving demands of AI and workforce development.
Qualifications:
· A strong interest in engineering education, particularly in the context of AI and workforce development.
· Familiarity with performing mixed methods social science research
· Experience or coursework in AI, machine learning, or related fields is highly desirable.
· The ability to translate findings into practical educational strategies.
· Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and effectively.
· Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers, educators, and industry professionals.
Research Assistant – Undergraduate Student (Always Hiring)
The MODEL group currently has several open positions at the undergraduate student level to provide support for various ongoing projects. We have both paid and unpaid/volunteer positions open.