Apply for fully funded PhD positions in AI for Software Engineering, Programming Languages, and Data Science at Auburn University, Alabama. Fall 2025 start. TA/RA roles available.
🎓 Fully Funded PhD Opportunities – Auburn University, Alabama, USA 🇺🇸
Fall 2025 Intake | TA/RA Positions Available | AI, Software Engineering & Data Science
If you’re passionate about AI, software engineering, data science, or programming languages, this is your opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in the USA at Auburn University, Alabama.
Professor Ali Ghanbari is seeking up to three highly motivated PhD students for Fall 2025 in cutting-edge areas like AI for Software Engineering (AI4SE) and Software Engineering for AI (SE4AI). This is a fantastic opportunity for both domestic and international students to study in the USA with full funding through Teaching Assistantships (TA) or Research Assistantships (RA).
🧠 Research Focus Areas
This PhD program aims to advance software reliability, intelligent systems, and programming efficiency through AI and formal methods.
The research will span across two major domains:
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✅ AI for Software Engineering (AI4SE) – Leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large language models (LLMs) to improve software testing, maintenance, and performance optimization.
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✅ Software Engineering for AI (SE4AI) – Designing better development tools, testing frameworks, and runtime environments for AI systems.
💼 Funded PhD Positions Overview
🧑💻 Position 1 – Parallel Programming & GPU Acceleration
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Proficiency in C++
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Experience with OpenCL or CUDA
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Research Topic: Performance optimization and testing of AI algorithms on GPUs
🧪 Position 2 – Deep Learning & Neural Networks
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Proficiency in Python
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Hands-on with TensorFlow, Keras
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Background in Deep Neural Network (DNN) testing and validation
🧠 Position 3 – Programming Languages & Logic
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Familiar with Coq/Rocq theorem provers
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Strong background in the theory of programming languages
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Interest in LLMs and formal verification.
🏛 About Auburn University
Located in Alabama, Auburn University is a top-tier public research university with state-of-the-art facilities and strong industrial collaborations.
Why Choose Auburn?
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🏆 Recognized for excellence in engineering, computer science, and AI research
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🧑🔬 Strong faculty support with personalized mentorship
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💰 Generous assistantships: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend
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🧳 Welcoming for international students
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🌴 Affordable cost of living in Alabama.
📚 Program Benefits
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✅ Fully funded tuition and stipend through TA/RA roles
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✅ Work on real-world AI and software engineering challenges
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✅ Access to high-performance computing clusters
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✅ Present your work in top-tier conferences like ICSE, NeurIPS, AAAI, and ASE
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✅ Build collaborations with researchers from top tech firms and labs.
🧾 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for any of the funded positions, applicants must have:
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A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
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Computer Science
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Software Engineering
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Artificial Intelligence
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Data Science
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Programming Languages
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Electrical/Computer Engineering
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A strong programming background as per the position requirements
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Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
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A passion for innovative research and commitment to completing a doctoral degree.
🌍 International Students Welcome
Auburn University proudly supports a global academic community. International applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered for the same funding opportunities as domestic students.
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🌐 F1 Visa Support
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✈️ Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility
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🧾 Support for GRE/TOEFL waivers (where applicable).
📝 How to Apply
Interested candidates should email the following documents to Professor Ali Ghanbari directly:
🔗 Faculty Profile
🔗 Personal Website
📥 Required Documents:
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Academic CV – Highlight education, research, publications, and programming skills
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Statement of Purpose (SOP) – A one-page summary of your research interests, motivation for PhD study, and why you’re a good fit
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(Optional) Any published research or GitHub repositories
🕐 Apply early to maximize your chances for TA/RA support.
📅 Important Dates
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✅ Start Term: Fall 2025 (August)
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🗓️ Application Deadline: Varies – early applications.
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📬 Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for online interviews.
💰 Funding Details (TA/RA)
All selected PhD students will receive:
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💸 Full tuition waiver (worth $25,000+ per year)
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💰 Monthly stipend (approx. $2,000–$2,500)
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📚 Access to research travel grants and conference funding
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🏥 Health insurance coverage
This package ensures that students can study PhD in USA without financial burden and fully focus on their research.
💡 Career Prospects After PhD
Auburn PhD graduates secure roles in:
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Top universities as postdoctoral researchers or faculty
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R&D divisions of Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM
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AI-driven startups in Silicon Valley and Europe
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Policy think tanks and standards bodies for AI safety.
📢 Spread the Word!
If you know someone passionate about AI, machine learning, or software testing, please share this opportunity. It’s a career-defining chance to study at a premier U.S. university with full financial support.
