Multiple PhD Students/Research Assistant in Computational Sciences in Saeed Lab at FIU (Dated: April 2020)

The Parallel Computing and Data Science Lab in the School of Computing and Information Science (SCIS) at Florida International University (FIU) seeks to hire a PhD research student with a focus on development of complex algorithms and parallel computing strategies for big data. We are seeking creative people with solid analytical capabilities, versatile computational skills applicable to parallel computing, machine learning, and computational biology. Our group is committed to conducting research in computational, data, and engineering sciences in the context of biomedical, clinical, and public health disciplines and applying this knowledge to support the nation’s leading health initiatives. We have a track record of mentoring students in attaining high impact positions including but not limited to Staff Scientists positions at UC Berkeley, Tenure-track position in Kennesaw State University and Kalamazoo College. More information is at https://saeedlab.cis.fiu.edu/

Qualifications:

• BSc. Or MSc. in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Algorithmic (and parallel algorithmic) development and optimization, with the capability to convert theoretical constructs into practical implementations. Development of novel parallel computing models for various computational biology problems.
• Relevant training or experience in any of the following: Algorithm design and development, Parallel Algorithms design and development, Machine learning, Computational Biology
• Python/C/C++ programming, along with any other languages. Parallel libraries including but not limited to MPI/OPENMP/Hadoop and insight into parallel architectures
• Demonstrated good academic standing, and the ability to conduct independent and significant research.
• The ability to communicate effectively (both verbal and written).
• Experience in AI techniques, including machine learning and deep learning.
• Familiarity in high-performance and parallel computing would be advantageous.
• Flexibility with regard to the research assignments is required.
• Ability to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and sponsors is also required.
• Capable of producing significant research results, publications, and funding proposals.

Additional Information: The usual trajectory for PhD students that are hired by Saeed Lab is as follows:

1. Candidate contacts Dr. Saeed at fsaeed@fiu.edu (see more information below)
2. Zoom interview is held between the candidate and Dr. Saeed
3. After the interview the prospective candidate applies to the School of Computing and Information Science at FIU. Make sure that you mention Dr. Saeed’s name and lab in your SOP so that the student file reaches Dr. Saeed’s desk. How to apply is listed here: https://www.cis.fiu.edu/academics/degrees/graduate/doctor-of-philosophy-in-computer-science/
4. The applicants file goes to the admission committee which decides on the admission of the candidate.
5. If everything goes well the candidate will receive an admission letter from the school.
6. Only after an admission has been secured; Dr. Saeed will initiate a Graduate Assistant or Research Assistant position for the candidate which will spell out the tuition + stipend among other things.
7. The international office at FIU will provide information about getting visa for your studies.

Compensation Pay Band: PhD student will be hired which would pay for the candidate’s tuition which amounts to approx. US$ 23,000 per year and will also pay a stipend of approx. (US$ 2122 + benefits) per month. This totals to US$ 48,464 per year. However, compensation will vary with experience and skill level and is subject to increase dependent on research performance and availability of funds.  

How to Apply:

Prospective PhD students with an interest in joining the Saeed Lab should send inquiries to Dr. Fahad Saeed at fsaeed@fiu.edu with Subject: “Prospective PhD Student” with the following documentation should be provided as a single PDF document:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Summary of research accomplishments including copies of research papers (if any)
3. Summary of computational skills
4. GRE Scores (or a date in which the candidate intends to appear)
5. TOEFL Scores (or a date in which the candidate intends to appear); Duolingo test scores also accepted now (from Fall 2020 admissions)

About Florida International University (FIU) and School of Computing and Information Sciences at FIU

Florida International University is classified by Carnegie as a “R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity” and recognized as a Carnegie Community Engaged university. It is a public research university with colleges and schools that offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in fields such as business, engineering, computer science, international relations, architecture, law and medicine. School of Computing and Information Sciences at FIU is ranked at 42^nd as per National Science Foundation’s higher education R&D expenditures which stood at par with Harvard (ranked 36), Princeton (ranked 37), and UCLA (ranked at 41). Other rankings include University of Michigan Ann Arbor (ranked 51), and University of California at Berkeley (ranked at 60). More information about ranking is at https://ncsesdata.nsf.gov/herd/2018/html/herd18-dt-tab038.html

FIU’s School of Computing and Information Sciences (SCIS) is a rapidly growing program of excellence at Florida International University (FIU). The School has 29 tenure-track faculty members and over 2,000 students, including over 90 Ph.D. students. The School is engaged in on-going and exciting new and expanding programs for research, education and outreach. The School offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science, and M.S. degrees in Telecommunications and Networking, Cyber-security, and Information Technology as well as B.S./B.A. degrees in Information Technology. For more information, visit https://www.cis.fiu.edu/.

As one of South Florida’s anchor institutions, FIU contributes almost $9 billion each year to the local economy and is ranked second in Florida in Forbes Magazine’s “America’s Best Employers” list. FIU graduates are consistently among the highest paid college graduates in Florida and are among the leaders of public and private organizations throughout South Florida. FIU is Worlds Ahead in finding solutions to the most challenging problems of our time. FIU emphasizes research as a major component of its mission with multiple state-of-the-art research facilities including the Wall of Wind Research and Testing Facility, FIU’s Medina Aquarius Program and the Advanced Materials Engineering Research Institute. FIU has awarded more than 220,000 degrees and enrolls more than 54,000 students in two campuses and centers including FIU Downtown on Brickell, FIU@I-75, the Miami Beach Urban Studios, and Tianjin, China. FIU also supports artistic and cultural engagement through its three museums: Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. FIU is a member of Conference USA and more than 400 student-athletes participating in 18 sports. For more information about FIU, visit https://www.fiu.edu/about/rankings-facts/index.html

About Miami

Miami (/maɪˈæmi/; MY-am-EE; Spanish pronunciation: [miˈami]) is a major port city on the Atlantic coast of south Florida in the southeastern United States. As the seat of Miami-Dade County, the municipality is the principal, central, and the most populous city of the Miami metropolitan area and part of the second-most populous metropolis in the southeastern United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, Miami’s metro area is the seventh-most populous and fourth-largest urban area in the U.S., with a population of around 5.5 million.

Miami is a great location for our program and for you to spend your college and graduate school years. Our students find exciting internship opportunities since Miami is home to over 1,000 international companies and South Florida, Miami-Dade, Broward and West Palm Beach Counties combined support over 7,000 information technology related companies. Our students enjoy a year-round, sub-tropical climate cooled by daily sea breezes. Students can live on campus or find residences throughout the local suburbs or even near the beach. We offer many classes at night and online to enable success for working students. Financial aid and assistantships are available to qualified students.