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OR0115: Internship - Whole-body dexterous manipulation
MERL is looking for a highly motivated individual to work on whole-body dexterous manipulation. The research will develop robot motor skills for whole-body, dexterous manipulation using optimization and/or learning algorithms. The ideal candidate should have experience in either one or multiple of the following topics: Optimization Algorithms for contact systems, Reinforcement Learning, control through contacts, and Behavioral cloning. Senior PhD students in robotics and engineering with a focus on contact-rich manipulation are encouraged to apply. Prior experience working with physical robotic systems (and vision and tactile sensors) is required as results need to be implemented on a physical hardware. Good coding skills in Python ML libraries like PyTorch etc. and/or relevant Optimization packages is required. A successful internship will result in submission of results to a peer-reviewed robotics journal in collaboration with MERL researchers. The expected duration of internship is 4-5 months with start date in May/June 2025. This internship is preferred to be onsite at MERL.
Required Specific Experience
- Prior experience working with physical hardware system is required.
- Prior publication experience in robotics venues like ICRA,RSS, CoRL.
- Research Areas: Robotics, Optimization, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
- Host: Devesh Jha
- Apply Now
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OR0087: Internship - Human-Robot Collaboration with Shared Autonomy
MERL is looking for a highly motivated and qualified intern to contribute to research in human-robot interaction (HRI). The ideal candidate is a Ph.D. student with expertise in robotic manipulation, perception, deep learning, probabilistic modeling, or reinforcement learning. We have several research topics available, including assistive teleoperation, visual scene reconstruction, safety in HRI, shared autonomy, intent recognition, cooperative manipulation, and robot learning. The selected intern will work closely with MERL researchers to develop and implement novel algorithms, conduct experiments, and present research findings. We publish our research at top-tier conferences. Start date is flexible, and the expected duration of the internship is 3-4 months. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply with their updated CV and list of publications.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with ROS and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch are essential.
- Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++
- Experience with simulation tools, such as PyBullet, Issac Lab, or MuJoCo.
- Prior experience in human-robot interaction, perception, or robotic manipulation.
- Research Areas: Robotics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning
- Host: Siddarth Jain
- Apply Now
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OR0085: Internship - Mixed Integer Programs
MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified intern to work on development of optimization algorithms for solving Mixed Integer Programs (MIPs). The ideal candidate would have significant research experience in theory and algorithms for solving MIPs including strong relaxations, cutting planes, and implementation of these techniques. Candidates at or beyond the middle of their Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply. The expected duration is for 3 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with algorithms such as branch-and-price, column generation, benders.
- Familiarity with optimization software such as Gurobi, Cplex, SCIP.
- Proficiency in developing code in Python, C, C++.
- Research Area: Optimization
- Host: Arvind Raghunathan
- Apply Now
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OR0088: Internship - Robot Learning
MERL is looking for a highly motivated and qualified PhD student in the areas of machine learning and robotics, to participate in research on advanced algorithms for learning control of robots and other mechanisms. Solid background and hands-on experience with various machine learning algorithms is expected, and in particular with deep learning algorithms for image processing and object detection. Exposure to deep reinforcement learning and/or learning from demonstration is highly desirable. Familiarity with the use of machine learning algorithms for system identification of mechanical systems would be a plus, along with background in other areas of automatic control. Solid experimental skills and hands-on experience in coding in Python, PyTorch, and OpenCV are required for the position. Some experience with ROS2 and familiarity with classical mechanics and computational physics engines would be helpful, but is not required. The position will provide opportunities for exploring fundamental problems in incremental learning in humans and machines, leading to publishable results. The duration of the internship is 3 to 5 months, with a flexible starting date.
Required Specific Experience
- Python, PyTorch, OpenCV
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Control, Machine Learning, Robotics
- Host: Daniel Nikovski
- Apply Now
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OR0108: Internship - Loco-manipulation for legged robots
MERL is offering a research internship opportunity in the field of loco-manipulation using legged robots. The position requires a robotics background, excellent programming skills and experience with Deep RL, locomotion and robotic manipulation and Computer Vision. The position is open to graduate students on a PhD track only, and the length of the internship is three months with the possibility of extending if required. The intern is expected to disseminate this research in top tier scientific conferences such as RSS, IROS, ICRA etc., and if applicable, help with filing associated patents. Start and end dates are flexible.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience in at least one programming language, preferably C++ or Python
- Experience in at least one physics simulator
- Familiarity with topics in robotic manipulation
- Familiarity with legged robots, preferably Unitree Go2
- Experience in Deep RL and corresponding training in simulation (Isaac Gym, Mujoco, etc)
- Research Area: Robotics
- Host: Radu Corcodel
- Apply Now
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OR0097: Internship - Hybrid AC/DC Power Systems
Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join our summer internship program and conduct cutting-edge research on hybrid AC/DC power systems. The ideal candidate should be a senior or junior Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering or a related field, with in-depth knowledge of AC and DC power systems, renewable generation, power electronics, and power system analysis and control. Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++ are required. The expected duration of the internship is 3-4 months, and the start date is flexible.
- Research Areas: Electric Systems, Data Analytics
- Host: Hongbo Sun
- Apply Now
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CA0119: Internship - Autonomous Vehicle Planning and Control
MERL is seeking a highly skilled and self-motivated intern to work on motion planning of articulated vehicles. The ideal candidate should have solid backgrounds in established path/motion planning algorithms (A*, D*, graph-search) and optimization-based control for ground and articulated vehicles. Excellent coding skills in MATLAB/Simulink and publication records are necessary. Experience with CasADi and dSPACE is a plus. Ph.D. students in robotics, computer science, control, electrical engineering, or related areas are encouraged to apply. Start date for this internship is flexible, and the expected duration is about 4-6 months.
- Research Areas: Control, Dynamical Systems, Robotics, Optimization
- Host: Stefano Di Cairano
- Apply Now
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CA0055: Internship - Human-Collaborative Loco-Manipulation Robots
MERL seeks graduate students passionate about robotics to contribute to the development of a framework for legged robots with manipulator arms to collaborate with human in executing various tasks. The work will involve multi-domain research including planning and control, manipulation, and possibly vision/perception. The methods will be implemented and evaluated in high performance simulators and (time-permitting) in actual robotic platforms. The results of the interns are expected to be published in top-tier robotic conferences and/or journal.
The internship should start in January 2025 (exact date is flexible) with an expected duration 3-6 months depending on agreed scope and intermediate progress.
Required Specific Experience
- Current/Past enrollment in a PhD program in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, with a concentration in Robotics
- 2+ years of research in at least some of: machine learning, optimization, control, path planning, computer vision
- Experience in design and simulation tools for robotics such as ROS, Mujoco, Gazebo, Isaac Lab
- Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++
Additional Desired Experience
- Development of planning and control methods in robotic hardware platforms
- Acquisition and processing of multimodal sensor data, including force/torque and proprioceptive sensors
- Prior experience in human-robot interaction, legged locomotion, mobile manipulation
- Research Areas: Robotics, Control, Machine Learning, Optimization, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence
- Host: Stefano Di Cairano
- Apply Now
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CA0114: Internship - Trajectory planning for drones with controllable sensors
MERL is seeking an outstanding intern to collaborate with the Control for Autonomy team in the development of trajectory generation for mobile robots, e.g., drones, equipped with controllable sensors, for information acquisition tasks. The project objective is to optimize drone trajectories and the control of on board sensors (e.g., field of view, pointing angle, etc.) to maximize the amount of information acquired about specified monitored targets while reducing the mission duration. The ideal candidate is expected to be working towards a PhD with a strong emphasis on trajectory generation and control, optimization-based control and planning algorithms and constrained control. Strong programming skills in at least one among Matlab, Python, Julia, C/C++ are required. Experience with experimental drone platforms such as crazyflie, and related software frameworks, such as ROS, are desired. The expected start date is in the late Spring/Early Summer 2025, for a duration of 3-6 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Math or a related field
- 2+ years of research in at least some of: optimization-based trajectory generation, convex and non-convex optimization, sensor modeling, information-aware planning
- Strong programming skills in at least one among Matlab, Python, Julia, or C/C++
- Validation of drone planning and control in simulations. Experience with drone experiments is a plus.
- Research Areas: Control, Dynamical Systems, Optimization, Robotics, Machine Learning
- Host: Stefano Di Cairano
- Apply Now
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CA0118: Internship - Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control
MERL is seeking highly motivated interns for research positions in guidance, navigation, and control of spacecraft. The ideal candidates are PhD students with experience in one or more of the following topics: astrodynamics, the three-body problem, relative motion dynamics, station keeping, rendezvous, landing, attitude control, orbit control, orbit determination, nonlinear estimation, scheduling problems, and optimization-based control. Publication of results produced during the internship is expected. The duration of the internships are 3-6 months, and the start dates are flexible.
Required Specific Experience
- Current enrollment in a PhD program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Strong programming skills in Matlab, Python, and/or C/C++
- Research Areas: Control, Dynamical Systems, Optimization
- Host: Avishai Weiss
- Apply Now
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CA0107: Internship - Perception-Aware Control and Planning
MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified intern to collaborate with the Control for Autonomy team in the development of visual perception-aware control. The overall objective is to optimize control policy where the perception uncertainty is affected by the chosen policy. Application areas include mobile robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, and spacecraft. The ideal candidate is expected to be working towards a PhD with a strong emphasis on stochastic optimal control/planning or visual odometry and to have interest and background in as many as possible among: output-feedback optimal control, visual SLAM, POMDP, information fields, motion planning, and machine learning. The expected start date is in the late Spring/Early Summer 2025, for a duration of 3-6 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Current/Past enrollment in a PhD program in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 2+ years of research in at least some of: optimal control, motion planning, computer vision, navigation, uncertainty quantification, stochastic planning/control
- Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++
- Research Areas: Machine Learning, Dynamical Systems, Control, Optimization, Robotics, Computer Vision
- Host: Kento Tomita
- Apply Now
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CA0122: Internship - Low-complexity Model Predictive Control
MERL is seeking a highly motivated intern to research low-complexity (i.e., computationally efficient) formulations of model predictive control (MPC). Candidates should be currently enrolled in a PhD program and have theoretical background in MPC (e.g., an understanding of standard proofs of stability) and relevant concepts in convex optimization (e.g., an understanding of interior-point, active set, and first-order optimization methods). An ideal candidate would have prior research experience related to suboptimal MPC, real-time iterations strategies for MPC, and/or other low-complexity approximation methods for MPC, and convex optimization.
Publication of results produced during the internship is expected. The duration of the internships are 3-6 months, and the start dates are flexible.
Required Specific Experience
- Current enrollment in a PhD program in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Understanding of fundamental theoretical concepts in MPC (e.g., proofs of stability, recursive feasibility, etc.)
- Familiarity with optimization algorithms commonly used in MPC (e.g., interior-point, active set, and first-order methods)
- Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++.
Additional Desired Experience
- Prior research experience related to suboptimal MPC and/or other low-complexity approximation methods for MPC.
- Prior research experience related to optimization algorithm development/analysis.
- Research Areas: Control, Optimization, Dynamical Systems
- Host: Jordan Leung
- Apply Now
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CA0095: Internship - Infrastructure monitoring using quadrotors
MERL seeks graduate students passionate about robotics to collaborate and develop a framework for infrastructure monitoring using quadrotors. The work will involve multi-domain research, including multi-agent planning and control, SLAM, and perception. The methods will be implemented and evaluated on an actual robotic platform (Crazyflies). The results of the internship are expected to be published in top-tier conferences and/or journals. The internship will take place during summer 2025 (exact dates are flexible) with an expected duration of 3-4 months.
Please use your cover letter to explain how you meet the following requirements, preferably with links to papers, code repositories, etc., indicating your proficiency.
Required Specific Experience
- Current enrollment in a PhD program in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related programs, with a focus on Robotics and/or Control Systems
- Experience in some/all of these topics: multi-agent motion planning, constrained control, SLAM, computer vision
- Experience with ROS2 and validation of algorithms on robotic platforms, preferably quadrotors
- Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++
Desired Specific Experience
- Experience with Crazyflie quadrotors and the Crazyswarm library
- Experience with the SLAM toolbox in ROS2
- Experience in convex optimization and model predictive control
- Experience with computer vision
- Research Areas: Control, Computer Vision, Optimization, Robotics
- Host: Abraham Vinod
- Apply Now
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CA0111: Internship - Nonconvex Trajectory Optimization
MERL is seeking a graduate student to develop an optimization-based framework for nonconvex trajectory generation with emphasis on continuous-time modeling/constraint satisfaction, convergence guarantees, and real-time performance. The framework will support hybrid dynamical systems, spatio-temporal logical specifications, multi-body systems, and contact-rich motion. The methods will be evaluated on real-world robotics applications based on locomotion, manipulation, and motion planning. The results of the internship are expected to be published in top-tier conferences and/or journal in robotics, control systems, and optimization.
The internship is expected to start in Spring or Summer 2025 with an expected duration of 3-6 months depending on the agreed scope and intermediate progress.
Required Specific Experience
- Current/Past enrollment in a Ph.D. program in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics.
- 2+ years of research in at least some of: sequential convex programming, augmented Lagrangian, operator-splitting first-order optimization algorithms, contact-rich motion, multi-body systems, signal temporal logic specifications, direct shooting and collocation methods.
- Experience in design and simulation tools for robotics such as ROS, Mujoco, Gazebo, Isaac Lab.
- Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++.
- Research Areas: Control, Optimization, Robotics, Dynamical Systems
- Host: Purnanand Elango
- Apply Now
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CA0117: Internship - Feedforward-Feedback Co-Design
MERL is seeking a graduate student to develop a scalable optimization-based framework for feedforward-feedback co-design for nonlinear dynamical systems subject to path constraints. The framework will 1) support modeling and operational uncertainties, and 2) guarantee static and dynamic feasibility in closed-loop. The solution approach will leverage the state-of-the-art in sequential convex programming, contraction analysis, and first-order methods for semidefinite programming. The methods will be evaluated on high-dimensional motion planning problems in robotics. The results of the internship are expected to be published in top-tier conferences and/or journal in robotics, control systems, and optimization.
The internship is expected to start in Spring or Summer 2025 with an expected duration of 3-6 months depending on the agreed scope and intermediate progress.
Required Specific Experience
- Current/Past enrollment in a Ph.D. program in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics.
- 2+ years of research in at least some of: first-order algorithms for SDPs, contraction analysis, nonconvex trajectory optimization.
- Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++.
- Research Areas: Control, Optimization, Robotics, Dynamical Systems
- Host: Purnanand Elango
- Apply Now
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EA0069: Internship - PWM inverter switching loss reduction
MERL is looking for a self-motivated intern to work on PWM inverter simulation and design. The ideal candidate would be a Ph.D. candidate in electrical engineering with solid research background in power electronics, control, and optimization. Experience in switching loss reduction modulation is desired. The intern is expected to collaborate with MERL researchers to carry out simulations, optimize design, analyze results, and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications. The total duration is 3 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with simulation tools for PWM inverter design.
- Research Areas: Electric Systems, Signal Processing, Optimization
- Host: Dehong Liu
- Apply Now
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EA0120: Internship - Machine Learning for Motor Design
MERL is seeking a motivated and qualified intern to conduct research on machine learning based electric motor design and optimization. Ideal candidates should be Ph.D. students with a solid background and publication record in electric machine design, optimization, and machine learning. Hands-on experience with the implementation of optimization algorithms, machine learning and deep learning methods is required. Strong programming skills using Python/PyTorch are expected. Knowledge and experience with electric machine principle, design and finite-element analysis are highly desirable. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is about 3 months.
- Research Areas: Machine Learning, Optimization
- Host: Bingnan Wang
- Apply Now
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EA0070: Internship - Multi-modal sensor fusion
MERL is looking for a self-motivated intern to work on multi-modal sensor fusion for health condition monitoring and predictive maintenance of motor drive systems. The ideal candidate would be a Ph.D. candidate in electrical engineering or computer science with solid research background in signal processing and machine learning. Experience in motor drive system is a plus. The intern is expected to collaborate with MERL researchers to collect data, explore multi-modal data relationship, and prepare manuscripts for publications. The total duration is anticipated to be 3 months and the start date is flexible.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with multi-modal sensor fusion.
- Research Areas: Data Analytics, Electric Systems, Machine Learning, Signal Processing, Artificial Intelligence
- Host: Dehong Liu
- Apply Now
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EA0076: Internship - Machine Learning for Electric Motor Design
MERL is seeking a motivated and qualified intern to conduct research on machine learning based electric motor design and optimization. Ideal candidates should be Ph.D. students with a solid background and publication record in electric machine design, optimization, and machine learning. Hands-on experience with the implementation of optimization algorithms, machine learning and deep learning methods is required. Strong programming skills using Python/PyTorch are expected. Knowledge and experience with electric machine principle, design and finite-element analysis are highly desirable. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is about 3 months.
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Optimization
- Host: Bingnan Wang
- Apply Now
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EA0071: Internship - Modeling and Estimation of Electrical Machines
MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to conduct research in differentiable modeling, estimation and control of electrical machines. The ideal candidate should have solid backgrounds in dynamical modeling of electrical machines, parameter estimation, and control theory. A proven record of publishing results in leading conferences/journals is necessary. Demonstrated knowledge of sensorless drive and experience of using dSPACE for real-time HIL experimentation is a plus. Senior Ph.D. students in electrical engineering, control, and related areas are encouraged to apply. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is about 3 months.
- Research Areas: Electric Systems, Control, Dynamical Systems
- Host: Yebin Wang
- Apply Now
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EA0065: Internship - Planning and Control of Mobile Manipulators
MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to conduct research in safe/robust whole-body motion planning and control of mobile manipulators. The ideal candidate should demonstrate solid background and track record of publications in the areas of robotic dynamics, motion planning, and control. Strong C++ and Python coding skills, knowledge of robotic software such as Pinocchio/Pybullet/MuJoCo, and optimization tools such as CasADi/PyTorch are a necessity. Ph.D. students in mechanical engineering, robotics, computer science, and electrical engineering are encouraged to apply. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is about 3 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Solid background and track record of conducting innovative research in the dynamic modeling, motion planning, and control of robotic systems.
- Experience with C++/Python, Pinocchio, Pybullet, MuJoCo, CasADi, PyTorch.
- Research Areas: Control, Robotics, Optimization
- Host: Yebin Wang
- Apply Now
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EA0072: Internship - Electric Machine Topology Optimization
MERL is seeking a motivated and qualified intern to conduct research on shape and topology optimization of electrical machines. The ideal candidate should have a solid background and demonstrated research experience in mathematical optimization methods, including topology optimization, robust optimization, and sensitivity analysis, as well as machine learning methods. Hands-on coding experience with the implementation of topology optimization algorithms and finite-element simulation are desirable. Knowledge and experience with electric machine principle, design and finite-element analysis is a strong plus. Senior Ph.D. students in related expertise are encouraged to apply. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is around 3 months.
- Research Areas: Applied Physics, Multi-Physical Modeling, Optimization
- Host: Bingnan Wang
- Apply Now
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EA0074: Internship - Control Policy Learning with Guarantee
MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to conduct research in the integration of model- and learning-based control to achieve high precision positioning with guaranteed safety and robustness. The ideal candidate should have solid backgrounds in dynamical systems, control theory and state-of-the-art control policy learning algorithms, and strong coding skills. Prior experience on ultra-high precision motion control systems is a plus. Ph.D. students in learning and control are encouraged to apply. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is about 3 months.
- Research Areas: Control, Machine Learning, Dynamical Systems
- Host: Yebin Wang
- Apply Now
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EA0073: Internship - Fault Detection for Electric Machines
MERL is seeking a motivated and qualified individual to conduct research on electric machine fault analysis and detection methods. Ideal candidates should be Ph.D. students with a solid background and publication record in one more research area on electric machines: electric and magnetic modeling, machine design and prototyping, harmonic analysis, fault detection, and predictive maintenance. Knowledge on data analysis and machine learning algorithms, and strong programming skills using Python/PyTorch are expected. Research experience on modeling and analysis of electric machines and fault diagnosis is desired. Senior Ph.D. students in related expertise, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and applied physics are encouraged to apply. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is 3 months.
- Research Areas: Electric Systems, Machine Learning, Multi-Physical Modeling
- Host: Bingnan Wang
- Apply Now
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CV0101: Internship - Multimodal Algorithmic Reasoning
MERL is looking for a self-motivated intern to research on problems at the intersection of multimodal large language models and neural algorithmic reasoning. An ideal intern would be a Ph.D. student with a strong background in machine learning and computer vision. The candidate must have prior experience with training multimodal LLMs for solving vision-and-language tasks. Experience in participating and winning mathematical Olympiads is desired. Publications in theoretical machine learning venues would be a strong plus. The intern is expected to collaborate with researchers in the computer vision team at MERL to develop algorithms and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with training large vision-and-language models
- Experience with solving mathematical reasoning problems
- Experience with programming in Python using PyTorch
- Enrolled in a PhD program
- Strong track record of publications in top-tier computer vision and machine learning venues (such as CVPR, NeurIPS, etc.).
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning
- Host: Anoop Cherian
- Apply Now
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CV0061: Internship - Open-Vocabulary Object Detection
MERL is looking for a highly motivated intern to work on an original research project in open-vocabulary object detection. A strong background in computer vision and deep learning is required. Experience in the latest advances in object detection and open-vocabulary object detection is an added plus and will be valued. The successful candidate is expected to have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision or machine learning venue, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, WACV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS or AAAI, and possess solid programming skills in Python and popular deep learning frameworks like Pytorch. The position is available for graduate students on a Ph.D. track. Duration and start dates are flexible but are expected to last for at least 3 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Graduate student currently in a Ph.D. program
- Publication in computer vision or machine learning conference/journal
- Experience with PyTorch
- Research Area: Computer Vision
- Host: Mike Jones
- Apply Now
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CV0063: Internship - Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping
MERL is looking for a self-motivated graduate student to work on Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (V-SLAM). Based on the candidate’s interests, the intern can work on a variety of topics such as (but not limited to): camera pose estimation, feature detection and matching, visual-LiDAR data fusion, pose-graph optimization, loop closure detection, and image-based camera relocalization. The ideal candidate would be a PhD student with a strong background in 3D computer vision and good programming skills in C/C++ and/or Python. The candidate must have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision, machine learning, or robotics venue, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, NeurIPS, ICRA, or IROS. The intern will collaborate with MERL researchers to derive and implement new algorithms for V-SLAM, conduct experiments, and report findings. A submission to a top-tier conference is expected. The duration of the internship and start date are flexible.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with 3D Computer Vision and Simultaneous Localization & Mapping.
- Research Areas: Computer Vision, Robotics, Control
- Host: Pedro Miraldo
- Apply Now
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CV0050: Internship - Anomaly Localization for Industrial Inspection
MERL is looking for a self-motivated intern to work on anomaly localization in industrial inspection setting using computer vision. The relevant topics in the scope include (but not limited to): cross-view image anomaly localization, how to train one model for multiple views and defect types, how to incorporate large foundation models in image anomaly localization, etc. The candidates with experiences of image anomaly localization in industrial inspection settings (e.g., MVTec-AD or VisA datasets) and usage of large foundation models are strongly preferred. The ideal candidate would be a PhD student with a strong background in computer vision and machine learning, and the candidate is expected to have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision, machine learning, or artificial intelligence venues, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS, or AAAI. Proficiency in Python programming and familiarity in at least one deep learning framework are necessary. The ideal candidate is required to collaborate with MERL researchers to develop algorithms and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications. The duration of the internship is ideally to be at least 3 months with a flexible start date.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with Python, PyTorch, and large foundation models (e.g. CLIP, ALIGN, etc.).
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning
- Host: Kuan-Chuan Peng
- Apply Now
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CV0056: Internship - "Small" Large Generative Models for Vision and Language
MERL is looking for research interns to conduct research into novel architectures for "small" large generative models. We are currently exploring 0.5 - 2 billion parameter language models, text-to-image models and text-to-video models. Interesting research directions include (a) efficient learning for such models that improves the pareto front of current scaling laws for these sizes, (b) enhancing current transformer-based architectures, and (c) new architectural paradigms beyond transformers such as incorporating explicitly temporal designs. Prior experience with machine learning/computer vision/natural language processing research, and proficiency in building and experimenting with machine learning models using a framework like PyTorch are required. Candidates well into their PhD program with publications in top-tier machine learning, natural language processing or computer vision venues, ideally connected to building generative models, are strongly preferred. Candidates are also expected to collaborate with MERL researchers for preparing manuscripts for scientific publications based on the results obtained during the internship. Duration of the internship is 3 months with a flexible start date.
Required Specific Experience
- Research experience with recent vision and text generative models
- Deep understanding of neural network architectures
- Proficiency in machine learning frameworks like PyTorch
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning
- Host: Suhas Lohit
- Apply Now
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CV0078: Internship - Audio-Visual Learning with Limited Labeled Data
MERL is looking for a highly motivated intern to work on an original research project on multimodal learning, such as audio-visual learning, using limited labeled data. A strong background in computer vision and deep learning is required. Experience in audio-visual (multimodal) learning, weakly/self-supervised learning, continual learning, and large (vision-) language models is an added plus and will be valued. The successful candidate is expected to have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision or machine learning venue, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS or AAAI, and possess solid programming skills in Python and popular deep learning frameworks such as Pytorch. The intern will collaborate with MERL researchers to develop and implement novel algorithms and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications. Successful applicants are typically graduate students on a Ph.D. track or recent Ph.D. graduates. Duration and start date are flexible, but the internship is expected to last for at least 3 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Prior publications in top-tier computer vision and/or machine learning venues, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS or AAAI.
- Knowledge of the latest self-supervised and weakly-supervised learning techniques.
- Experience with Large (Vision-) Language Models.
- Proficiency in scripting languages, such as Python, and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or Tensorflow.
- Research Areas: Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Speech & Audio, Artificial Intelligence
- Host: Moitreya Chatterjee
- Apply Now
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CV0100: Internship - Simulation for Human-Robot Interaction
MERL is looking for a self-motivated intern to develop a simulation platform to train vision-and-language models for dynamic human-robot interaction. The ideal intern must have a strong background in computer graphics, computer vision, and machine learning, as well as experience in using the latest graphics simulation toolboxes and physics engines. Working knowledge of recent multimodal generative AI methods is desired. The intern is expected to collaborate with researchers in the computer vision team at MERL to develop algorithms and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience in designing novel realistic 3D interactive scenes for robot learning
- Experience with extending vision-based embodied AI simulators
- Strong foundations in machine learning and programming
- Foundations in optimization, specifically scheduling algorithms, would be a strong plus.
- Strong track record of publications in top-tier computer vision and machine learning venues (such as CVPR, NeurIPS, etc.)
- Must be enrolled in a graduate program, ideally towards a Ph.D.
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning
- Host: Anoop Cherian
- Apply Now
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CV0075: Internship - Multimodal Embodied AI
MERL is looking for a self-motivated intern to work on problems at the intersection of multimodal large language models and embodied AI in dynamic indoor environments. The ideal candidate would be a PhD student with a strong background in machine learning and computer vision, as demonstrated by top-tier publications. The candidate must have prior experience in designing synthetic scenes (e.g., 3D games) using popular graphics software, embodied AI, large language models, reinforcement learning, and the use of simulators such as Habitat/SoundSpaces. Hands on experience in using animated 3D human shape models (e.g., SMPL and variants) is desired. The intern is expected to collaborate with researchers in computer vision at MERL to develop algorithms and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience in designing 3D interactive scenes
- Experience with vision based embodied AI using simulators (implementation on real robotic hardware would be a plus).
- Experience training large language models on multimodal data
- Experience with training reinforcement learning algorithms
- Strong foundations in machine learning and programming
- Strong track record of publications in top-tier computer vision and machine learning venues (such as CVPR, NeurIPS, etc.).
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Speech & Audio, Robotics, Machine Learning
- Host: Anoop Cherian
- Apply Now
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CV0051: Internship - Visual-LiDAR fused object detection and recognition
MERL is looking for a self-motivated intern to work on visual-LiDAR fused object detection and recognition using computer vision. The relevant topics in the scope include (but not limited to): open-vocabulary visual-LiDAR object detection and recognition, domain adaptation or generalization in visual-LiDAR object detection, data-efficient methods for visual-LiDAR object detection, small object detection with visual-LiDAR input, etc. The candidates with experiences of object recognition in LiDAR are strongly preferred. The ideal candidate would be a PhD student with a strong background in computer vision and machine learning, and the candidate is expected to have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision, machine learning, or artificial intelligence venues, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS, or AAAI. Proficiency in Python programming and familiarity in at least one deep learning framework are necessary. The ideal candidate is required to collaborate with MERL researchers to develop algorithms and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications. The duration of the internship is ideally to be at least 3 months with a flexible start date.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with Python, PyTorch, and datasets with both images and LiDAR (e.g. the nuScenes dataset).
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning
- Host: Kuan-Chuan Peng
- Apply Now
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CV0060: Internship - Video Anomaly Detection
MERL is looking for a self-motivated intern to work on the problem of video anomaly detection. The intern will help to develop new ideas for improving the state of the art in detecting anomalous activity in videos. The ideal candidate would be a Ph.D. student with a strong background in machine learning and computer vision and some experience with video anomaly detection in particular. Proficiency in Python programming and Pytorch is necessary. The successful candidate is expected to have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision or machine learning venue, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, WACV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS or AAAI. The intern will collaborate with MERL researchers to develop and test algorithms and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications. The internship is for 3 months and the start date is flexible.
Required Specific Experience
- Graduate student in Ph.D. program
- Experience with PyTorch.
- Prior publication in computer vision or machine learning conference/journal.
- Research Area: Computer Vision
- Host: Mike Jones
- Apply Now
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CV0079: Internship - Novel View Synthesis of Dynamic Scenes
MERL is looking for a highly motivated intern to work on an original research project in rendering dynamic scenes from novel views. A strong background in 3D computer vision and/or computer graphics is required. Experience with the latest advances in volumetric rendering, such as neural radiance fields (NeRFs) and Gaussian Splatting (GS), is desired. The successful candidate is expected to have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision/graphics or machine learning venue, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, 3DV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS or AAAI, and possess solid programming skills in Python and popular deep learning frameworks like Pytorch. The candidate will collaborate with MERL researchers to develop algorithms and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications. The position is available for graduate students on a Ph.D. track or those that have recently graduated with a Ph.D. Duration and start date are flexible but the internship is expected to last for at least 3 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Prior publications in top computer vision/graphics and/or machine learning venues, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, 3DV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS or AAAI.
- Experienced in the latest novel-view synthesis approaches such as Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) or Gaussian Splatting (GS).
- Proficiency in coding (particularly scripting languages like Python) and familiarity with deep learning frameworks, such as PyTorch or Tensorflow.
- Research Areas: Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
- Host: Moitreya Chatterjee
- Apply Now
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CV0084: Internship - Vital signs from video using computer vision and AI
MERL is seeking a highly motivated intern to conduct original research in estimating vital signs such as heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood pressure from video of a person. The successful candidate will use the latest methods in deep learning, computer vision, and signal processing to derive and implement new models, collect data, conduct experiments, and prepare results for publication, all in collaboration with MERL researchers. The candidate should be a Ph.D. student in computer vision with a strong publication record and experience in computer vision, signal processing, machine learning, and health monitoring. The successful candidate is expected to have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision or machine learning venue, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS, or AAAI, and possess strong programming skills in Python and Pytorch. Start date is flexible; duration should be at least 3 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Ph.D. student in computer vision or related field.
- Strong programming skills in Python and Pytorch.
- Published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision or machine learning venue, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS, or AAAI.
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Signal Processing, Computational Sensing
- Host: Tim Marks
- Apply Now
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CV0094: Internship - Instructional Video Generation
We seek a highly motivated intern to conduct original research in generative models for instructional video generation. We are interested in applications to various tasks such as video generation from text, images, and diagrams. The successful candidate will collaborate with MERL researchers to design and implement novel models, conduct experiments, and prepare results for publication. The candidate should be a PhD student (or recent graduate) in computer vision and machine learning with a strong publication record including at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision or machine learning venue such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS, AAAI, or TPAMI. Strong programming skills, experience developing and implementing new models in deep learning platforms such as PyTorch, and broad knowledge of machine learning and deep learning methods are expected, including experience in the latest advances in video generation. Start date is flexible; duration should be at least 3 months.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with video diffusion models, LLMs, and Vision-and-Language Models.
- Experience developing and implementing new models in PyTorch
- At least one paper in a top-tier computer vision or machine learning venue such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS, AAAI, or TPAMI.
- Ph.D. student in computer vision or a related field.
- Research Areas: Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
- Host: Tim Marks
- Apply Now
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CV0064: Internship - Robust Estimation for Computer Vision
MERL is looking for a self-motivated graduate student to work on robust estimation in Computer Vision. Based on the candidate’s interests, the intern can work on a variety of topics such as (but not limited to) camera pose estimation, 3D registration, camera calibration, pose-graph optimization, and transformation averaging. The ideal candidate would be a PhD student with a strong background in 3D computer vision, RANSAC, and graduated non-convexity algorithms, and good programming skills in C/C++ and/or Python. The candidate must have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision, machine learning, or robotics venue, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, NeurIPS, ICRA, or IROS. The intern will collaborate with MERL researchers to derive and implement new algorithms for V-SLAM, conduct experiments, and report findings. A submission to a top-tier conference is expected. The duration of the internship and start date are flexible.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with 3D computer vision, RANSAC, or graduated non-convexity algorithms for computer vision.
- Research Areas: Computer Vision, Computational Sensing, Robotics
- Host: Pedro Miraldo
- Apply Now
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CI0080: Internship - Efficient AI
We are on the lookout for passionate and skilled interns to join our cutting-edge research team focused on developing efficient machine learning techniques for sustainability. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the field of AI and environmental conservation, with the aim of publishing at leading AI research venues.
What We're Looking For:
- Advanced research experience in generative models and computationally efficient models
- Hands-on skills for large language models (LLM), vision language models (VLM), large multi-modal models (LMM), foundation models (FoMo)
- Deep understanding of state-of-the-art machine learning methods
- Proficiency in Python and PyTorch
- Familiarity with various deep learning frameworks
- Ph.D. candidates who have completed at least half of their program
Internship Details:
- Duration: approximately 3 months
- Flexible start dates available
- Objective: publish research results at leading AI research venues
If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for applying AI to sustainability challenges, we want to hear from you! This internship offers a unique chance to work on meaningful projects at the intersection of machine learning and environmental sustainability.
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
- Host: Toshi Koike-Akino
- Apply Now
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CI0082: Internship - Quantum AI
MERL is excited to announce an internship opportunity in the field of Quantum Machine Learning (QML) and Quantum AI (QAI). We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our research team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the field of quantum computing and AI, with the aim of publishing at leading research venues.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct cutting-edge research in quantum machine learning.
- Collaborate with a team of experts in quantum computing, deep learning, and signal processing.
- Develop and implement algorithms using PyTorch and PennyLane.
- Publish research results at leading research venues.
Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a PhD or a post-graduate researcher in a relevant field.
- Strong background and solid publication records in quantum computing, deep learning, and signal processing.
- Proficient programming skills in PyTorch and PennyLane are highly desirable.
What We Offer:
- An opportunity to work on groundbreaking research in a leading research lab.
- Collaboration with a team of experienced researchers.
- A stimulating and supportive work environment.
If you are passionate about quantum machine learning and meet the above qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your research experience and interests. Join us at MERL and contribute to the future of quantum machine learning!
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Signal Processing, Applied Physics
- Host: Toshi Koike-Akino
- Apply Now
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CI0066: Internship - IoT Network Anomaly Detection
MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified intern to conduct research on IoT network anomaly detection and analysis. The candidate is expected to develop innovative anomaly detection technologies that can proactively detect and analyze network failure in large-scale IOT networks. The candidate should have knowledge of LLM/ML and anomaly detection. Knowledge of network log analysis and network protocol a plus. Candidates in their junior or senior years of a Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is 3 months.
The responsibilities of this intern position include (i) research on anomaly detection in large-scale IoT networks; (ii) develop proactive network anomaly detection and analysis technologies; (iii) simulate and analyze the performance of developed technology.
- Research Areas: Communications, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Signal Processing
- Host: Jianlin Guo
- Apply Now
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CI0083: Internship - Human-Machine Interface with Biosignal Processing
MERL is excited to announce an internship opening for a talented researcher to join our team. We are looking for an individual to contribute to cutting-edge research in human-machine interfaces (HMI) using multi-modal bio-sensors. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the field of human-machine interaction and biosignal processing, with the aim of publishing at leading research venues.
Ideal Candidate:
- Experienced PhD student or post-graduate researcher
- Strong background in brain-machine interface (BMI)
- Proficient in deep learning and mixed reality (XR)
- Skilled in robot manipulation, bionics, and bio sensing
- Digital modeling of human and environment
- Hands-on experience in Unity3d, ROS, OpenBCI, and XR headsets
If you are passionate about advancing technology in these areas, we encourage you to apply and be part of our innovative research team!
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Signal Processing
- Host: Toshi Koike-Akino
- Apply Now
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CI0054: Internship - Anomaly Detection for Operations Technology Security
MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified intern to work on anomaly detection for operational technology security. The ideal candidate would have significant research experience in anomaly detection, machine learning, and cybersecurity for operational technology. A mature understanding of modern machine learning methods, proficiency with Python and PyTorch, and a relevant research publication history are expected. Candidates at or beyond the middle of their Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply. The expected duration is for 3 months with flexible start dates (but ideally in December or early January).
Required Specific Experience
- Proficiency with PyTorch framework.
- Research publications in machine learning and anomaly detection.
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics
- Host: Ye Wang
- Apply Now
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CI0067: Internship - IoT Network Design methodology
MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified intern to carry out research on mobile IoT network design methodology. The candidate is expected to develop innovative mobile network technologies to support UAV assisted IoT networks. The candidates should have knowledge of mobile network technologies such as path planning and cooperative network operations. Knowledge of UAV technology and mobility management is a plus. Candidates in their junior or senior years of a Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply. Start date for this internship is flexible and the duration is 3 months.
The responsibilities of this intern position include (i) research on UAV assisted network design methodology; (ii) develop network configuration technologies to support UAV cooperative network operations; (iii) simulate and analyze the performance of developed technology.
- Research Areas: Communications, Signal Processing, Machine Learning, Robotics, Optimization
- Host: Jianlin Guo
- Apply Now
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CI0086: Internship - Trustworthy AI
MERL is seeking passionate and skilled research interns to join our team focused on developing trustworthy, private, safe, and robust machine learning technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to make an impact on the field of AI safety, with the aim of publishing at leading AI research venues.
What We're Looking For:- Advanced research experience with generative models related to the topics of AI safety, privacy, robustness, and trustworthiness
- Hands-on skills for large language models (LLM), vision language models (VLM), large multi-modal models (LMM), foundation models (FoMo)
- Deep understanding of state-of-the-art machine learning methods
- Proficiency in Python and PyTorch
- Familiarity with other relevant deep learning frameworks
- Ph.D. candidates who have completed at least half of their program
Internship Details:- Duration: approximately 3 months
- Flexible start dates available
- Objective: publish research results at leading AI research venues
If you're a highly motivated individual with a passion for tackling AI safety and privacy challenges, we want to hear from you! This internship offers a unique chance to work on meaningful AI research projects, combined with the opportunity to publish and add to your thesis.- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
- Host: Ye Wang
- Apply Now
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ST0105: Internship - Surrogate Modeling for Sound Propagation
MERL is seeking a motivated and qualified individual to work on fast surrogate models for sound emission and propagation from complex vibrating structures, with applications in HVAC noise reduction. The ideal candidate will be a PhD student in engineering or related fields with a solid background in frequency-domain acoustic modeling and numerical techniques for partial differential equations (PDEs). Preferred skills include knowledge of the boundary element method (BEM), data-driven modeling, and physics-informed machine learning. Publication of the results obtained during the internship is expected. The duration is expected to be at least 3 months with a flexible start date.
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Dynamical Systems, Machine Learning, Multi-Physical Modeling
- Host: Saviz Mowlavi
- Apply Now
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ST0096: Internship - Multimodal Tracking and Imaging
MERL is seeking a motivated intern to assist in developing hardware and algorithms for multimodal imaging applications. The project involves integration of radar, camera, and depth sensors in a variety of sensing scenarios. The ideal candidate should have experience with FMCW radar and/or depth sensing, and be fluent in Python and scripting methods. Familiarity with optical tracking of humans and experience with hardware prototyping is desired. Good knowledge of computational imaging and/or radar imaging methods is a plus.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with Python and Python Deep Learning Frameworks.
- Experience with FMCW radar and/or Depth Sensors.
- Research Areas: Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Signal Processing, Computational Sensing
- Host: Petros Boufounos
- Apply Now
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ST0081: Internship - Optical Sensing for Airflow Reconstruction
The Computational Sensing team at MERL is seeking motivated and qualified individuals to develop algorithms that can perform background oriented schlieren (BOS) tomography. The project goal is to utilize both analytical and learning-based architectures to enable the reconstruction of 3D air flows in an indoor setting from BOS measurements coupled with physics informed machine learning. Ideal candidates should be Ph.D. students and have solid background and publication record in any of the following, or related areas: imaging inverse problems, large-scale optimization, differentiable scene rendering, learning-based modeling for imaging, and physics informed neural networks. Preferred skills include experience with schlieren tomography, inverse rendering, neural scene representation, and computational imaging hardware. Publication of the results produced during our internships is expected. The duration of the internships is anticipated to be 3-6 months. Start date is flexible.
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with differentiable/physics-based rendering.
- Research Areas: Computational Sensing, Machine Learning, Signal Processing
- Host: Hassan Mansour
- Apply Now
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ST0116: Internship - Deep Learning for Radar Perception
The Computation Sensing team at MERL is seeking a highly motivated intern to conduct fundamental research in radar perception. Expertise in deep learning-based object detection, pose estimation, segmentation, multiple object tracking (MOT), and representation learning on radar data is required. Previous hands-on experience with open indoor and outdoor radar datasets is a plus. Familiarity with basic radar concepts and MERL's recent work in radar perception is an asset. The intern will work closely with MERL researchers to develop novel algorithms, design experiments with MERL in-house testbed, and prepare results for patents and publication. The internship is expected to last 3 months with a preferred start date after June 2025.
Required Specific Experience
- Solid understanding of state-of-the-art perception frameworks including transformer-based (e.g., DETR) and diffusion-based (e.g., DiffusionDet) methods.
- Hands-on experience with open large-scale radar datasets such as MMVR, HIBER, RADIATE, and K-Radar.
- Proficiency in Python and experience with job scheduling on GPU clusters using tools like Slurm.
- Proven publication records in top-tier venues such as CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, NeurIPS.
- Knowledge of basic radar concepts such as FMCW, MIMO, (micro-) Doppler signature, radar point clouds, heatmaps, and raw ADC waveforms.
- Familiarity with MERL's recent radar perception research such as TempoRadar, SIRA, MMVR, and RETR.
- Research Areas: Computational Sensing, Signal Processing
- Host: Perry Wang
- Apply Now
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ST0104: Internship - Physics-Informed Machine Learning for PDEs
MERL is seeking a motivated and qualified individual to work on physics-informed scientific machine learning algorithms for problems governed by partial differential equations (PDEs). The ideal candidate will be a PhD student in engineering, computer science, or related fields with a solid background in scientific machine learning for PDEs. Preferred skills include knowledge of physics-informed neural networks, operator learning, nonlinear dimensionality reduction, and diffusion models. Strong coding abilities in Python and a popular deep learning framework such as Pytorch are essential. Publication of the results obtained during the internship is expected. The duration is expected to be at least 3 months with a flexible start date.
- Research Areas: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Optimization, Dynamical Systems
- Host: Saviz Mowlavi
- Apply Now
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ST0103: Internship - Data-Driven Control for High-Dimensional Dynamics
MERL is seeking a motivated and qualified individual to work on data-driven estimation and control of high-dimensional dynamical systems, with applications in indoor airflow optimization. The ideal candidate will be a PhD student in engineering or related fields with a solid background in estimation, control, and dynamical systems theory. Preferred skills include knowledge of reinforcement learning, data-driven control, nonlinear control, reduced-order modeling (ROM), and partial differential equations (PDEs). Publication of the results obtained during the internship is expected. The duration is expected to be at least 3 months with a flexible start date.
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Control, Dynamical Systems, Machine Learning, Optimization, Computational Sensing
- Host: Saviz Mowlavi
- Apply Now
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ST0068: Internship - Single-Photon Lidar Algorithms
The Computational Sensing Team at MERL is seeking an intern to work on estimation algorithms for single-photon lidar. The ideal candidate would be a PhD student with a strong background in statistical modeling, estimation theory, computational imaging, or inverse problems. The intern will collaborate with MERL researchers to design new lidar reconstruction algorithms, conduct simulations, and prepare results for publication. A detailed knowledge of single-photon detection, lidar, and Poisson processes is preferred. Hands-on optics experience is beneficial but not required. Strong programming skills in Python or MATLAB are essential. The duration is anticipated to be at least 3 months with a flexible start date.
- Research Areas: Computational Sensing, Computer Vision, Electronic and Photonic Devices, Signal Processing
- Host: Joshua Rapp
- Apply Now
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SA0045: Internship - Universal Audio Compression and Generation
We are seeking graduate students interested in helping advance the fields of universal audio compression and generation. We aim to build a single generative model that can perform multiple audio generation tasks conditioned on multimodal context. The interns will collaborate with MERL researchers to derive and implement new models and optimization methods, conduct experiments, and prepare results for publication. Internships regularly lead to one or more publications in top-tier venues, which can later become part of the intern's doctoral work. The ideal candidates are Ph.D. students with experience in some of the following: deep generative modeling, large language models, neural audio codecs. The internship typically lasts 3-6 months.
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Speech & Audio
- Host: Sameer Khurana
- Apply Now
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SA0041: Internship - Audio separation, generation, and analysis
We are seeking graduate students interested in helping advance the fields of generative audio, source separation, speech enhancement, spatial audio, and robust ASR in challenging multi-source and far-field scenarios. The interns will collaborate with MERL researchers to derive and implement new models and optimization methods, conduct experiments, and prepare results for publication. Internships regularly lead to one or more publications in top-tier venues, which can later become part of the intern's doctoral work.
The ideal candidates are senior Ph.D. students with experience in some of the following: audio signal processing, microphone array processing, spatial audio reproduction, probabilistic modeling, deep generative modeling, and physics informed machine learning techniques (e.g., neural fields, PINNs, sound field and reverberation modeling).
Multiple positions are available with flexible start dates (not just Spring/Summer but throughout 2025) and duration (typically 3-6 months).
- Research Areas: Speech & Audio, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence
- Host: Jonathan Le Roux
- Apply Now
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SA0044: Internship - Multimodal scene-understanding
We are looking for a graduate student interested in helping advance the field of multimodal scene understanding, focusing on scene understanding using natural language for robot dialog and/or indoor monitoring using a large language model. The intern will collaborate with MERL researchers to derive and implement new models and optimization methods, conduct experiments, and prepare results for publication. Internships regularly lead to one or more publications in top-tier venues, which can later become part of the intern''''s doctoral work. The ideal candidates are senior Ph.D. students with experience in deep learning for audio-visual, signal, and natural language processing. Good programming skills in Python and knowledge of deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch are essential. Multiple positions are available with flexible start date (not just Spring/Summer but throughout 2024) and duration (typically 3-6 months).
Required Specific Experience
- Experience with ROS2, C/C++, Python, and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch are essential.
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Control, Machine Learning, Robotics, Speech & Audio
- Host: Chiori Hori
- Apply Now
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SA0040: Internship - Sound event and anomaly detection
We are seeking graduate students interested in helping advance the fields of sound event detection/localization, anomaly detection, and physics informed deep learning for machine sounds. The interns will collaborate with MERL researchers to derive and implement novel algorithms, record data, conduct experiments, integrate audio signals with other sensors (electrical, vision, vibration, etc.), and prepare results for publication. Internships regularly lead to one or more publications in top-tier venues, which can later become part of the intern's doctoral work.
The ideal candidates are senior Ph.D. students with experience in some of the following: audio signal processing, microphone array processing, physics informed machine learning, outlier detection, and unsupervised learning.
Multiple positions are available with flexible start dates (not just Spring/Summer but throughout 2025) and duration (typically 3-6 months).
- Research Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Speech & Audio, Machine Learning, Data Analytics
- Host: Gordon Wichern
- Apply Now
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MS0109: Internship - Time-Series Forecasting for Energy Systems
MERL seeks graduate students passionate about deep learning and energy systems to contribute to the development of deep time-series forecasting models for real building energy data. The work will involve multi-domain research including deep learning model development, time-series analysis, and possibly integration with energy management systems. The methods will be implemented and evaluated using real-world datasets. The results of the internship are expected to be published in top-tier machine learning and energy systems conferences and/or journals.
Exact start date is flexible (most likely Summer 2025), with an expected duration of 3-6 months, depending on agreed scope and intermediate progress.
Required Specific Experience:
- Current or past enrollment in a PhD program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with a focus on Machine Learning or Energy Systems.
- 2+ years of research experience in at least some of the following areas: deep learning, time-series analysis, probabilistic machine learning, energy systems modeling.
- PyTorch fluency.
- Familiarity with real-world data wrangling.
- Experience with time-series data visualization and analysis tools.
Strong Pluses:
- Familiarity with transformer-based time-series forecasting methodologies e.g. TFT or time-series foundation models.
- Familiarity with adaptation mechanisms e.g. fine-tuning, meta-learning.
- Research Areas: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Multi-Physical Modeling
- Host: Ankush Chakrabarty
- Apply Now
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MS0098: Internship - Control and Estimation for Large-Scale Thermofluid Systems
MERL is seeking a motivated graduate student to research methods for state and parameter estimation and optimization of large-scale systems for process applications. Representative applications include large vapor-compression cycles and other multiphysical systems for energy conversion that couple thermodynamic, fluid, and electrical domains. The ideal candidate would have a solid background in control and estimation, numerical methods, and optimization; strong programming skills and experience with Julia/Python/Matlab are also expected. Knowledge of the fundamental physics of thermofluid flows (e.g., thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics), nonlinear dynamics, or equation-oriented languages (Modelica, gPROMS) is a plus. The expected duration of this internship is 3 months.
- Research Areas: Optimization, Machine Learning, Control, Multi-Physical Modeling
- Host: Chris Laughman
- Apply Now
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MS0110: Internship - Stochastic MPC for Grid-Interactive Buildings and HVAC
MERL is looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate to work on stochastic control for grid-interactive net-zero energy buildings informed by deep generative models. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of optimization-based control with expertise demonstrated via, e.g., publications, in stochastic model predictive control.
Additional understanding of energy systems and machine learning is a plus. Hands-on programming experience with numerical optimization solvers and Python fluency is required. The results of this 3-6 month internship are expected to be published in top-tier energy systems and/or control venues.
- Research Areas: Control, Dynamical Systems, Optimization, Multi-Physical Modeling
- Host: Ankush Chakrabarty
- Apply Now
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MS0106: Internship - Optimal Control of Multiphysical Systems
MERL seeks a qualified, highly-motivated graduate student for an internship in the area of systems-level dynamic modeling, analysis and optimal control of next-generation thermofluid systems used in heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) applications. HVAC systems for applications such as data centers or district heating and cooling are characterized as dynamic networks, described by a large sets of differential and algebraic equations expressing physics (conservation laws), together with discrete and continuous equations describing the action of control. These are large scale, hybrid, constrained nonlinear systems. The MS group at MERL invites qualified graduate students to join its efforts in system level dynamic modeling, analysis and especially control of these systems. The research results are expected to impact both development of new products at Mitsubishi Electric, and also be published in leading conferences and journals.
Required Specific Experience
- Strong education and experience with nonlinear differential-algebraic equations is required.
- Strong education and working knowledge of optimal and nonlinear control theory is required.
- Knowledge of mathematical methods for hybrid systems is an asset.
- Some experience with thermofluid systems is an asset.
- Research Areas: Control, Multi-Physical Modeling, Optimization
- Host: Scott Bortoff
- Apply Now
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MS0102: Internship - Estimation and Calibration of Multi-physical Systems Using Experiments
MERL is looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate to work on estimation and calibration of muti-physical systems governed by differential algebraic equations (DAEs). The research will involve study, development and efficient implementation of estimation/calibration approaches for large-scale nonlinear systems, e.g., vapor compression cycles, with limited experimental data. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in one or multiple of the following topics: nonlinear control and estimation, optimization, and model calibration; with expertise demonstrated via, e.g., peer-reviewed publications. Prior experience in working with experimental data, and programming in Julia/Modelica is a plus. Senior PhD students in mechanical, electrical, chemical engineering or related fields are encouraged to apply. The typical duration of internship is 3 months, and the start date is flexible.
Required Specific Experience
- Graduate student with 2+ years of relevant research experience
Additional Desired Experience
- Strong programming skills in Julia or Modelica
- Prior experience in working with thermofluid systems
- Prior experience in estimation/calibration of complex nonlinear systems using experimental data
- Research Areas: Multi-Physical Modeling, Optimization, Control, Dynamical Systems, Applied Physics
- Host: Vedang Deshpande
- Apply Now
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MS0092: Internship - Data-Driven Modeling and Control of Thermo-Fluid Systems
MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to conduct research in data-driven modeling and control of vapor compression systems in the summer of 2025. The ideal candidate should have a solid background and demonstrated research experience in differential algebraic equations, optimal control and physics-informed machine learning. Knowledge of thermo-fluid systems is a plus. The intern is expected to collaborate with MERL researchers to build models, develop algorithms, and prepare manuscripts for scientific publications. Senior Ph.D. students in applied mathematics, chemical/mechanical engineering and other related areas are encouraged to apply. The expected duration of the internship is 3 months, and the start date is flexible.
- Research Areas: Control, Machine Learning, Multi-Physical Modeling
- Host: Hongtao Qiao
- Apply Now