Openings

Multiple Funded PhD Positions Available

The ROLAC lab's research is focused on developing robust and intelligent control and planning algorithms that enable humanoid robots to perform real-world tasks in complex, contact-rich environments, and modeling and analyzing large-scale dynamic systems by using nonlinear geometric methods, artificial intelligence, and optimization. We welcome highly motivated PhD students with the following qualifications to join our group:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, computer engineering or related areas.
- Experience with MATLAB, Python, C++ (preferred), Solidworks (preferred), etc.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Motivated to learn new skills and explore new areas.
- A Master’s degree in electrical, mechanical, computer engineering, or related engineering areas or hands-on experience in robotics is preferred but not required.
- A strong publication record at ICRA, IROS, or other top-tier robotics conferences is preferred.

To apply for any of these openings, please contact Dr. Tan Chen via email. Along with the email, please include your CV, transcript, and TOEFL/IELTS scores (if available), and mention 'PhD Application' in the email subject. The positions are fully funded and include tuition coverage, a stipend, and health insurance.


Undergraduate or Master's students

The ROLAC lab always welcome highly motivated undergraduate and Master's students interested in robotics, control, and deployment of the technology for real-world applications. Please email Dr. Chen to express interest in joining the group. I will schedule a meeting to discuss specific projects that would fit your interests and background. Note that students without the desired background will still be considered provided they show interest/passion for the project and committment to developing the required skills.

Advising Philosophy

I believe that a major goal of being an advisor is to provide guidance to students, helping them succeed in a career they are passionate about. The PhD journey can be demanding but very rewarding, and I anticipate that my students will be self-motivated and proactive in reaching out whenever they need help or guidance. As an advisor, I prioritize setting aside a dedicated time slot each week for individual meetings. This ensures that we remain aligned in our research objectives and share a common understanding. Witnessing my students achieve their goals is a fulfilling experience. I will encourage my students to apply for awards, fellowships, and similar opportunities, and I am committed to working alongside them to support their career aspirations.