Recruiting PhD students and Research Interns

Positions for PhD students and Research Interns:

• Multiple fully-funded positions for PhD in Computer Science are available, starting in 2026 Fall

• I am also looking for Research Interns all-year round, the start date and length are flexible, either remote or in-person

• The lab provides very sufficient computing resources for GPUs

Research Interests:

We will concentrate on Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), Multi-Modality Learning.

• Logical Reasoning and Planning in LLMs: enhance LLMs in complex logical reasoning, scientific reasoning, strategic planning

• Safety Alignment of LLMs: ensure LLM security, defense against jailbreaking, prevent malicious misuse, mitigate hallucination

• Knowledgeable LLM: knowledge reasoning, knowledge conflict, knowledge steering, knowledge editing, knowledge unlearning

Expectations for students:

• Students majoring in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or other related disciplines.

• Strong motivations in doing research on Large Language Models, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence.

How to apply:

• To apply for PhD or research intern, please send me an email at yuanyuan.lei@ufl.edu

• Please use the subject line as "Position (PhD or Research Intern) - Semester (like 2026 Fall) - Your Name". 

• Please attach your CV and transcripts in the email, and also highlight your research experience and interests.

University of Florida:

• Ranking: University of Florida ranks #30 among all US universities. The computer science subject ranks #45 in US universities.

• Location: Located in Gainesville, a college-town city, UF is 1-2 hours driving from three major metropolitan cities in Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville. There are multiple state parks, beaches, world-famous attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios within 1-2 hours driving, offering great resources for both nature activities and urban experiences.

Update for Florida Law SB-846 regarding PhD students hiring:

• If you are currently located outside of China regardless of your citizenship, such as located in USA, Europe, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, Korea etc., you are eligible to be offered fully-funded PhD with no restrictions. Please feel free to apply!

• If you are currently located within China, you are also eligible to be offered PhD position with funding options. Date to March 28th 2025, Florida Law SB-846 has been suspended by the federal court. Please feel free to reach out to me!