PhD Positions in AI, Foundation Models, and Trustworthy Computing at San Diego State University (SDSU) San Diego State University in United States

Dr. Salimeh Sekeh in the Computer Science Department at San Diego State University (SDSU) is recruiting highly motivated PhD students for two fully funded positions in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The research areas include open world learning with foundation models, multi-expert reasoning for vision-language models (VLMs), and reliable and trustworthy AI. These positions are part of joint doctoral programs with the University of California, Irvine (Computational Science) and the University of California, San Diego (Engineering), offering a unique interdisciplinary training environment.

Research Focus: The group is interested in advancing the state of the art in AI, particularly in foundation models, VLMs, and trustworthy AI. Students will have the opportunity to work on analytical and experimental projects, contributing to both theoretical and applied aspects of computational science and engineering.

Eligibility: Applicants should have a master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or a closely related field. Exceptional students with a bachelor's degree and a strong research background will also be considered. A strong background in mathematics and programming is required, and experience with foundation models or VLMs is advantageous. For the joint doctoral programs, a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B.S.) or 3.5 (M.S.) is required. International applicants must provide English proficiency scores (TOEFL 85 iBT, IELTS 7, or PTE 65). Three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and official transcripts are required.

Funding: The positions are fully funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend. Students will benefit from the resources and research facilities at both SDSU and the partner UC campuses.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, a cover letter explaining their research interests and motivation for joining the lab, and relevant academic transcripts and test scores directly to Dr. Sekeh at [email protected] with the subject line "PhD Application 2026". Early applications are encouraged to ensure consideration for available positions and Fall 2026 admissions. For more information on the joint doctoral programs, applicants can review the program details at UCI Computational Science PhD and SDSU Engineering JDP.

About SDSU: SDSU is an R1 institution and a top-tier research university in California, known for its strong engineering, science, and technology programs. The joint doctoral programs provide a collaborative environment with access to faculty and resources at both SDSU and the UC campuses, preparing graduates for diverse careers in academia, industry, and government research.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Foundation Models, Vision-Language Models, Trustworthy AI, Computational Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Programming, Computer Science.