The TRAIN Lab at WPI, conducts research at the intersection of AI-native wireless networks, semantic communication, integrated sensing and communication, causal inference, and physical AI systems.
Open Research Areas
We are recruiting a motivated Ph.D. student in one of the following interconnected research areas:
1. AI-Native Wireless Networks and Semantic Communication
- Design of semantic communication systems grounded in causal inference and information-theoretic principles
- Active inference frameworks for integrated sensing, communication, and control in 6G networks
- Topological methods (persistent homology, sheaf cohomology) for resilient AI-native receivers
- Compositional Semantic communication for remote inference in physical AI systems
- Quantum networking
2. Mathematical Foundations of AI for Physical Systems
- Causal representation learning and out-of-distribution generalization for networked systems
- Category-theoretic and information-theoretic foundations of AI
- Neurosymbolic AI foundations using algebraic topology
Candidate Profile
We seek candidates with a strong background in one or more of the following areas:
- Wireless communications, signal processing, or information theory (B.S. or M.S. in ECE, EE, CS/DS or related field)
- Machine learning, reinforcement learning, large language models or causal inference
- Mathematics: topology, category theory, or stochastic processes
- Programming proficiency in Python; experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or MATLAB a plus
Prior research experience, publications, or demonstrated independent research ability are highly valued but not required.
What We Offer
- Full funding through a competitive research assistantship (stipend + tuition + benefits)
- Close mentorship and a clear path toward high-impact publications at premier venues (ÌÇÐÄlogo JSAC, TWC, ICASSP, ISIT, GLOBECOM, ICC)
- Opportunities for internships and collaboration with industrial and academic partners
- A rigorous, interdisciplinary research environment at the crossroads of communications, AI, and mathematics
About WPI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a top-ranked research university (R1) in Worcester, Massachusetts, consistently recognized for excellence in engineering and science. WPI's ECE Department offers a collaborative, research-intensive environment with strong industry ties and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Worcester is conveniently located 45 miles west of Boston, within the Greater Boston research and technology corridor.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send the following materials to Dr. Christo Kurisummoottil Thomas at [email protected] with the subject line "Ph.D. Application – TRAIN Lab":
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Brief research statement (1–2 pages) describing your background and research interests
- Transcripts (unofficial accepted for initial review)
- Representative publications or technical writing samples, if available
- Names and contact information of 2–3 references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
For more information about the TRAIN Lab and ongoing projects, please visit:
