MS and PhD positions (with full graduate research assistantship-GRA) and postdoc positions in Mechanical Engineering are available immediately or starting in Fall 2024 within the research group of Dr. Yi Wang at the University of South Carolina-USC (Columbia/Main campus, https://research.cec.sc.edu/wang) to develop reliable perception for unmanned maritime systems. The GRA will fund MS/PhD tuition, fees and health insurance, and stipend. The position entails
1. Image Processing and Computer Vision
The project will investigate and develop image analysis, computer vision, and signal processing models and algorithms for small object detection and identification in maritime environments. Other engineering applications will also be explored, which include but not limited to traffic surveillance and assessment, structural health monitoring, and non-destructive testing.
2. Big Data Analytics and Deep Learning
The project will investigate and develop big data analytics and deep learning models and algorithms for scientific and engineering applications, which include but not limited to flight load prediction, materials design & discovery, energy auditing & cybersecurity, system prognostics, and anomaly detection and identification.
Research efforts will include at least one of the followings
- Development of computer vision, image analysis, and signal processing algorithms
- Development of data mining, machine learning, and optimization algorithms
- Development of CPU+GPU computing algorithms
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field of study from an accredited college or university.
- Hands-on experience with computing and programming in Python, Matlab, C/C++, or other object-oriented programming languages
- Strong interest and self-motivation to perform cutting-edge research and conquer challenges in real-world engineering and to publish high-impact papers
- Must be a US permanent resident or a US citizen.
Preferred qualifications:
- Strong background in linear algebra and computational mathematics and/or mechanics
- Experience in developing machine learning models and time series analysis codes using Pytorch, TensorFlow, Matlab, and other relevant.
- Experience in developing computer vision and image analysis codes using Pytorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, and other relevant.
USC is the flagship university in the State of South Carolina, and the Ph.D. program at the department of Mechanical Engineering is ranked No. 31 nationally by the National Research Council (NRC) (http://www.me.sc.edu/about/), and the College of Engineering and Computing is ranked No. 1 in the State of South Carolina for faculty research productivity.
The group of Dr. Wang focuses on computational and data-enabled science and engineering (CDS&E) and its applications in real-world multiphysics systems, including robotics and autonomy, perception and computer vision, additive manufacturing, aerodynamics & aerospace, railroad engineering. CDS&E, recently emerging as a focal point of multidisciplinary research has been applied to essentially each phase of technology development and industrial engineering. To apply, please send your CV/Resume, publications, etc. in a single PDF (for Ph.D. applicants, transcripts, and GRE scores are also required) to Dr. Wang (yiwang@cec.sc.edu) with the email subject "Position Application".
