One full-funded Ph.D.student starting in Fall 2025 is available.The ideal candidates should have a next-generation transportation background,including transit,shared and automated mobility, active transportation/micromobility(e.g.,e-scooter,microtransit),with solid computer programming skills (i.e.,Python,C++,Java),and AI/ML/DL/RL/LLM with project experience. The following academic training, experience and skills arerequired:
● College degree in general Engineering, such as transportation engineering,computer science, OR, GIS, etc.
● AI/ML and data-driven human mobility spatial-temporal modeling and theory, GeoAI, and Visualization;
● Traffic simulation models/tools, such as SUMO, and theoretical knowledge, such as VRP.
● Web applications, including webGIS, portal, page design, database, and cloud computing services/tools,such as AWS.
The preference will be given to the candidates with a Master's degree and good publication record.
If interested, please send1) your CV and 2) transcripts with 3) a cover letter (or in the email) to Lei.Zhu@charlotte.edu. In the email title, please specify "Fall 25 Ph.D.Application-Your name." In your cover letter or email,please briefly introduce 1) your professional backgroundand relevant experience to the position and 2) others you want to highlight. The review processing will start immediately, and the strong candidates will be contacted soon.
About Dr.Lei Zhu and UNC Charlotte
Dr.Lei Zhu is an AssistantProfessor of Industrial and Systems Engineering(ISE) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte(UNC Charlotte). Dr.Zhu's research includes urban transportation systems, human mobility system modeling and simulation, and spatial sensing technologies. Highly self-motivated students with similar research interests are welcome to join our Smart Infrastructure and Mobility(SIM) lab in this exciting field to enhance SmartCity and Intelligent Transportation Systems(ITS). Details can be found atb :https://sites.google.com/view/lei-zhus-homepage
UNC Charlotte is a public research university among the nation's top 81 public universities, according to the 2025 U.S.News &World Report Best College rankings. Charlotte is the biggest metropolitan in NC state, which provides a diverse and quality lifestyle. The campus is located in the suburbs of one of the fastest-growing US cities and adjacent to a large research park with many employment opportunities.
