The Artificial Intelligence for Design (AI4D) Lab at Southern Methodist University, led by Assistant Professor Hamid R. Karbasian, is recruiting a fully funded PhD student for Spring or Fall 2026. The lab is part of the Lyle School of Engineering and focuses on cutting-edge research in scientific machine learning (SML), computational physics, and fluid dynamics. Research topics include architecture design for deep learning, learning from data, optimization methods, and solving complex problems in fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and fluid-structure interaction (FSI). Applications span renewable energy, transportation, biomedical devices, and air mobility.

The lab develops novel algorithms, mathematical models, and software tools, including in-house CFD solvers and the OPTHiNOS package for sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and PDE-constrained optimization. The environment is described as friendly and supportive, with a mission to foster growth in science, engineering, and personal development.

Applicants should have a master's degree in engineering, physics, or applied mathematics, hands-on experience in AI/ML, ROM, and computational methods, programming skills in Python, Julia, or C++, and strong knowledge of fluid dynamics and turbulence. Admission to the Lyle School of Engineering is required. The position offers full funding, including tuition waiver, health insurance, and stipend.

To apply, candidates should email Dr. Karbasian ([email protected]) with the subject 'PhD Application - SML', attaching their CV, unofficial transcripts, and a brief cover letter outlining their objectives. More information about the lab and research can be found at AI4D Lab webpage.

Southern Methodist University is a top-ranked institution in Dallas, Texas, with strong computational and AI/ML research programs and excellent facilities for engineering students.