Latest PhD & MS Jobs at RIT
Explore fully funded PhD & MS positions at RIT in AI, mobility systems & smart infrastructure. Apply before Fall 2025. Limited seats. High research value.
If you’re searching for AI research opportunities in the USA or funded MS/PhD in smart systems, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers an exceptional chance. Dr. Zilin Bian is recruiting multiple MS and PhD students to join his research group by Spring or Fall 2026.
These roles are ideal for candidates interested in AI-enabled mobility, infrastructure systems, urban simulation, and intelligent environments.
About the Opportunity
Position Title: Fully Funded MS/PhD Positions
Department: College of Engineering Technology, RIT
Location: Rochester, New York, USA
Advisor: Dr. Zilin Bian, Tenure-Track Assistant Professor
Joining Term: Spring 2026 or Fall 2026
Funding: Fully funded with tuition support + stipend
Posted On: August 7, 2025
Deadline to Apply: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis (apply ASAP for priority consideration)
AI Research Overview & Related Search Queries
The focus of this research lab lies in multidisciplinary, AI-powered urban infrastructure. The lab uses machine learning, mobility simulation, and intelligent systems to solve real-world urban challenges.
Popular related queries include:
- Fully funded PhD USA 2026
- PhD in AI and Smart Cities
- Urban mobility PhD programs
- Mobility simulation research
- MS in civil engineering with AI
- AI transportation PhD
- Smart infrastructure funded positions
- PhD in urban digital twins
These queries reflect what students globally search for when seeking AI + infrastructure graduate roles. This position aligns with all.
Research Areas Covered
Selected candidates will work on advanced, high-impact research in the following domains:
AI-Enabled Modeling for Mobility Systems
- Use AI/ML methods on multi-modal urban mobility data
- Predict and optimize travel patterns in real time
Smart and Cooperative Infrastructure Systems
- Build intelligent systems for monitoring and control of urban networks
- Improve traffic, utilities, and emergency responses
Perception and Scene Understanding
- Apply sensing and calibration for uncertainty quantification
- Conduct symbolic modeling and foundational vision tasks
Next-Generation Urban Simulation
- Design multi-agent simulations and urban digital twins
- Contribute to interactive, scalable digital city models
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold or be pursuing a degree in one of the following:
- BS or MS in Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Or related fields
Preferred skills include:
- Python, PyTorch, JAX, or CUDA-based GPU computing
- Experience with ML techniques (optimization, statistics, probabilistic modeling)
- Knowledge of traffic and mobility simulation tools (e.g., SUMO, MATSim, CARLA)
- Familiarity with LLMs, fine-tuning, or deployment workflows
- Prior research, publications, or project work in mobility, smart systems, or AI
How to Apply
To apply for these fully funded research positions:
- Prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts
- Brief research statement
- Email your application to: zilin.bian@rit.edu
- Mention your preferred start term (Spring/Fall 2026) in the subject line.
Important: There is no strict deadline, but early applications are prioritized.
About the Principal Investigator
Dr. Zilin Bian is joining the Department of Civil Engineering Technology and Environmental Safety at RIT in Fall 2025. His research blends civil engineering, AI, and digital infrastructure.
- Former Postdoc at NYU’s C2SMART Center
- PhD in Transportation Planning (NYU)
- MS from University of Florida
- BS from Harbin Institute of Technology
- 30+ publications in top-tier journals
- Previously secured funding from agencies and tech giants like NVIDIA
About Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
- Ranked #91 in National Universities (U.S. News 2025)
- #51 in Undergraduate Engineering
- Hosts partnerships with Kodak, Xerox, Tesla
- Close to Boston, NYC, and Toronto
- Strong research ecosystem for AI and urban systems
This is a prime opportunity for research-focused students aiming to work on AI, smart cities, or infrastructure while being fully funded at a top-tier U.S. institute.