Fully Funded GRA Positions in Mechatronics/Robotics/AI
PhD Position Description
The Intelligent Dexterity (InDex) Lab at Kennesaw State University (KSU) is recruiting two graduate research assistants (GRA) starting Fall 2025 or Spring 2026. We are seeking highly motivated candidates interested in the following cutting-edge topics in robotics and artificial intelligence.
- Dexterous robotic manipulation with AI-driven control
- Multi-robot coordination and planning
- Human-robot interaction and teleoperation
- Robotic perception and multi-modal sensor integration
- Simulation-to-real transfer using tools like MuJoCo and Isaac Sim
Desired Background & Skills
We welcome applicants from Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) or related fields. Strong candidates will have:
- Solid programming skills in Python and C++
- Experience with PyTorch, ROS, MuJoCo, Isaac Sim, or similar platforms
- Background in machine learning, robotics, computer vision, or control systems
- A high degree of self-motivation, curiosity, and the ability to work independently
Accepted PhD students will be provided with competitive financial support and tuition remission. If you’re interested in joining the InDex Lab, please email your CV, transcripts, and a brief statement of research interests to: ltao2@kennesaw.edu. The review of the application has started and will continue until the positions are filled.
About the PI
Dr. Lingfeng Tao is an assistant professor of Robotics and Mechatronics at Kennesaw State University, leads research at the intersection of robotics, AI, and human-machine collaboration. Dr. Tao’s research focuses on Learning-Based Robot Control, Autonomous Robots, and Human-Machine Systems, aiming to enhance robotic learning capabilities and intelligence for autonomous task execution and seamless human-robot collaboration. His work spans dexterous manipulation, multi-robot teaming, intelligent manufacturing, and human-robot interaction, with an emphasis on natural and intuitive cooperation between robots and human operators. Dr. Tao has been publishing in top-tier robotics journals and conferences such as JINT, IEEE RA-L, SMC, ICRA, IROS and ROBIO. He has secured over $800k research funding as PI and Co-PIs from National Science Foundation (NSF) and contributing to a total of over $3.8 million in successful funding proposals.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public research university in the U.S. state of Georgia with two campuses in the Atlanta metropolitan area, one in the Kennesaw area and the other in Marietta on a combined 581 acres (235 ha) of land. The school was founded in 1963 by the Georgia Board of Regents using local bonds and a federal space-grant during a time of major Georgia economic expansion after World War II. KSU also holds classes at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Dalton State College, and in Paulding County (Dallas).[6] The total enrollment exceeds 47,000 students making KSU the third-largest university by enrollment in Georgia. KSU is part of the University System of Georgia and is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity“.
Department of Robotics & Mechatronics Engineering
The Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering at Kennesaw State University offers a multidisciplinary approach to engineering education, integrating mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering principles. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences, preparing them for careers in industries such as robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing. Complementing this, the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program provides opportunities for advanced research across various engineering disciplines, including intelligent robotic systems, smart infrastructure, biomedical systems, and innovative materials. This program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for academic, industry, or governmental research roles.
