Funded PhD Positions in Human–Robot Interaction, Construction Robotics, and Extended Reality at New Jersey Institute of Technology

The Human-Centered Construction Technologies and Robotics Laboratory (Ctrl Lab) at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is seeking 1–2 motivated PhD students to join the team starting Fall 2026. The Ctrl Lab, led by Assistant Professor Patrick Borges Rodrigues, is part of the John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Research in the lab focuses on emerging human-centered construction technologies and robotics, with particular emphasis on human–robot interaction, construction robotics, human factors engineering, and extended reality (including VR, AR, and MR). Building Information Modeling (BIM) and industrialized construction are also key interests. Applicants should have a strong academic background in civil engineering or a closely related discipline and must meet all NJIT PhD admission requirements. Preferred candidates will have prior research experience, publications in peer-reviewed journals or conferences, and programming skills in languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB. The positions are fully funded, though specific details about the funding package are not provided in the announcement. To apply, candidates should submit a personal statement (1–2 pages) outlining research interests, motivation, and fit for the position, a curriculum vitae, and up to three representative journal articles or conference papers (optional) to [email protected] by February 20, 2026. The subject line should read 'PhD Application – [Your Name]'. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted via Zoom until the positions are filled. For more information, prospective students can visit the Ctrl Lab's academic page or the NJIT PhD admissions website. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of civil engineering, robotics, and advanced digital technologies.