The SciPhy ("sci-fi") Lab at Johns Hopkins University, led by Assistant Professor Krishna Murthy Jatavallabhula, is recruiting multiple PhD students for Fall 2026. The lab focuses on the science of physical agents, particularly robotics, and aims to explore the full robotics stack, from hardware and controller design to advanced AI algorithms. Research themes include 3D perception, SLAM/state estimation, differentiable simulation, vision-language 3D mapping, vision-language-action (VLA) policies, world models, and tactile sensing.

Prospective students will join a vibrant and growing robotics and AI community at Johns Hopkins, supported by the Data Science and AI Institute (DSAI). The lab encourages applicants with backgrounds in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, or related fields, especially those with experience in the lab's research areas. The PhD program is highly competitive and requires submission of academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers.

PhD positions at Johns Hopkins University are typically fully funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend. For more details on funding and the application process, applicants are encouraged to visit the SciPhy lab webpage and the university's Computer Science PhD admissions page.

The application deadline is December 15, 2025. Interested candidates should apply through the Computer Science PhD admissions portal at Johns Hopkins University and indicate their interest in working with the SciPhy Lab. For more information, visit the lab's website or contact the lab directly through the provided links.