EINBRAIN LAB
Research opportunity

Engineering Doctoral Student Opening: AI, XR, and Human-Centered Systems (Fall 2027)

Einbrain Lab · Texas A&M University

Engineer AI and XR systems for real-world impact.

Build systems people can use. Develop as an engineering researcher by connecting AI, immersive computing, and human needs with rigorous empirical evidence.

Einbrain Lab is seeking a doctoral student starting in Fall 2027 to design, build, integrate, and evaluate AI and XR systems under the supervision of Dr. Donggil Song in the Department of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University.

How to apply Explore our research

At a glance

Position
Doctoral student · Graduate Assistant Research (GAR)
Start term
Fall 2027
Doctoral program
Interdisciplinary Engineering (ITDE) · Texas A&M University
Expected support
Three years, subject to appointment and funding conditions

Research with human impact

Engineer trustworthy AI and XR systems that improve human performance. Your primary research will contribute to the lab’s NSF-funded AI-math initiative: AI-supported professional learning for pre-service mathematics teachers, aligned with NSF Award #2538780.

AI & human-AI collaboration

Engineer AI-enabled software and adaptive interactive systems, integrating AI models, behavioral data, and human-centered interaction design.

XR & interactive computing

Design and develop immersive environments and interfaces, turning technical ideas into reliable, user-ready systems.

Evidence-based evaluation

Design experiments and analyze system, interaction, and performance data to understand what works, for whom, and why.

Alongside the primary project, opportunities include collaboration on human-AI interaction, XR, cyberlearning, and intelligent interactive systems. Develop the skills to frame meaningful questions, build and test systems, work with data, and communicate findings to technical and interdisciplinary audiences.

Get to know the lab through our projects, research, and team.

What you will do

  • Engineer and implement AI-driven interactive systems and research tools.
  • Plan and support system testing, participant studies, data collection, data processing, and analysis.
  • Develop, integrate, evaluate, and refine software and XR products with interdisciplinary project teams.
  • Prepare research manuscripts, conference presentations, and project reports.
  • Participate in the intellectual life of Einbrain Lab, including collaboration and student mentorship.

Who we are looking for

We welcome applicants from engineering, computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Strong candidates will bring:

  • A strong interest in AI systems, human-AI interaction, XR, interactive computing, data-intensive systems, or related engineering research.
  • An interest in contributing to system architecture, product development, testing, data collection, and evidence-based evaluation.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and writing skills.
  • Intellectual curiosity, sound engineering judgment, initiative, and a willingness to learn across disciplines.

Admission is through the Interdisciplinary Engineering (ITDE) doctoral program. All applicants, including international applicants, must meet the program’s admission requirements.

Appointment & funding

Anticipated start term: Fall 2027.

This is a grant-supported Graduate Assistant Research (GAR) appointment in Einbrain Lab, Department of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution, under the supervision of Dr. Donggil Song.

Expected support is three years as a standard full doctoral assistantship, with a stipend at the Engineering/ITDE GAR rate and resident tuition and required fees covered while the appointment is active. Renewal beyond that term depends on funding and satisfactory progress.

The appointment is contingent on admission to the ITDE doctoral program, satisfactory progress, and continued funding from NSF Award #2538780.

Take the next step

Share your interests with us

Email einbrain@tamu.edu with the following materials:

  1. Research interests. A brief statement about your interests and how your technical background or goals connect with Einbrain Lab’s engineering research and the AI-driven professional learning project.
  2. CV or resume. Describe your academic background and relevant experience.
  3. Representative work. One or two writing, research, design, or technical project samples. Links are welcome.

Briefly describe your hands-on experience or readiness in the areas above. Where possible, share an example of a system you helped bring into use and an engineering decision you made.

Informal inquiries are welcome. Applicants selected to move forward will be guided on the relevant ITDE doctoral-program application process. Email is the initial contact for research-fit inquiries and does not replace the required formal program application or guarantee admission or an assistantship.

Donggil Song, Ph.D.
Director, Einbrain Lab
Department of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution
College of Engineering · Texas A&M University