Ph.D. Positions Available in AI, Control, and Aerial Robotics (Fall 2026)
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Ph.D. Positions Available in AI, Control, and Aerial Robotics (Fall 2026)
Joint Doctoral Program in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
UC San Diego & San Diego State University
Two fully funded Ph.D. positions are available for Fall 2026 through the Joint Doctoral
Program (JDP) in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego and San
Diego State University (SDSU).
About the PI:
Dr. Jun Chen is an Associate Professor in the Aerospace Engineering Department at SDSU.
His research focuses on dynamics, control, optimization, and artificial intelligence,
particularly in data-driven modeling, decision-making under uncertainty, and
AI-empowered autonomy for large-scale networked dynamical systems. Applications
include air traffic control and management, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic
management, and autonomous air/ground vehicle systems. Dr. Chen received his Ph.D.
and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue University and a B.S. in Aeronautics
Engineering from Beihang University.
Research Focus Areas:
We are seeking highly motivated students to join our lab in one or more of the following
areas:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Autonomous
Systems
Physical-AI: bridging physics-based modeling and learning-based methods
Aerial Robotics, including UA V control, autonomy, and swarming
Computational Optimal Control & Stochastic Optimization
Safe and Scalable Autonomy under Uncertainty
Distributed Control and Computing for Networked Systems
Qualifications:
Ideal candidates should have:
Strong mathematical background (control theory, optimization, probability,
etc.)
Solid programming skills in Python, C++, Julia, or MATLAB
Experience or coursework in one or more of the following:
Dynamics and control
Machine learning or reinforcement learning
Modeling and simulation
Robotics or UA V systems
Postdoctoral researchers and visiting students/scholars are also welcome to apply.
Application Instructions:
If interested, please email Prof. Jun Chen at 1point3acres.com with:
Your CV
Transcripts (unofficial accepted)
A brief statement of interest (optional but encouraged)
More details about Dr. Chen’s research can be found at: junchen.sdsu.edu
Joint Doctoral Program in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
UC San Diego & San Diego State University
Two fully funded Ph.D. positions are available for Fall 2026 through the Joint Doctoral
Program (JDP) in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego and San
Diego State University (SDSU).
About the PI:
Dr. Jun Chen is an Associate Professor in the Aerospace Engineering Department at SDSU.
His research focuses on dynamics, control, optimization, and artificial intelligence,
particularly in data-driven modeling, decision-making under uncertainty, and
AI-empowered autonomy for large-scale networked dynamical systems. Applications
include air traffic control and management, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic
management, and autonomous air/ground vehicle systems. Dr. Chen received his Ph.D.
and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue University and a B.S. in Aeronautics
Engineering from Beihang University.
Research Focus Areas:
We are seeking highly motivated students to join our lab in one or more of the following
areas:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for Autonomous
Systems
Physical-AI: bridging physics-based modeling and learning-based methods
Aerial Robotics, including UA V control, autonomy, and swarming
Computational Optimal Control & Stochastic Optimization
Safe and Scalable Autonomy under Uncertainty
Distributed Control and Computing for Networked Systems
Qualifications:
Ideal candidates should have:
Strong mathematical background (control theory, optimization, probability,
etc.)
Solid programming skills in Python, C++, Julia, or MATLAB
Experience or coursework in one or more of the following:
Dynamics and control
Machine learning or reinforcement learning
Modeling and simulation
Robotics or UA V systems
Postdoctoral researchers and visiting students/scholars are also welcome to apply.
Application Instructions:
If interested, please email Prof. Jun Chen at 1point3acres.com with:
Your CV
Transcripts (unofficial accepted)
A brief statement of interest (optional but encouraged)
More details about Dr. Chen’s research can be found at: junchen.sdsu.edu
