Memorial University Funded PhD and Research MEng Positions in AI Navigation
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Associate Professor Oscar De Silva is recruiting funded PhD and research-based MEng students for Memorial University’s Intelligent Systems Laboratory beginning in January 2027. Research covers AI and multisensor perception, digital twins, autonomous maritime navigation, resilient autonomy and safety-critical estimation and control for Arctic and harsh environments.
Associate Professor Oscar De Silva is recruiting funded Ph.D. and research-based Master's students to join the Intelligent Systems Laboratory at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John's, Canada, with a target start in January 2027.
The programme focuses on AI-enabled navigation and autonomous systems for Arctic and other harsh environments. Research combines algorithm development with real-world experimentation using UAVs, research vessels and icebreakers, flight-test platforms, simulators and harsh-environment facilities.
The three broad research themes are:
- AI and multisensor perception: electro-optical and infrared sensing, LiDAR, radar, multimodal AI and sea-ice situational awareness.
- Digital twins and navigation advisory: physics-informed simulation, risk-aware planning and autonomous maritime navigation.
- Resilient and certifiable autonomy: GPS-resilient navigation, multisensor fusion and safety-critical estimation and control.
Degree clarification: Memorial identifies the MEng as its research-based, thesis Master's route, while the MASc is course-based. Master's applicants should therefore confirm the appropriate MEng discipline and January 2027 admission route with Professor De Silva before submitting the formal application.
Funding: the recruitment announcement describes the positions as funded. Memorial states that academically eligible full-time research students receive a minimum annual financial package at admission, currently CAD 18,000 for MEng students for two years and CAD 22,000 for Ph.D. students for four years. The values are subject to change and do not by themselves establish separate tuition, fee, insurance, travel or accommodation coverage; the written offer controls.
Benefits
- Funded research-based MEng and Ph.D. positions with a January 2027 target start.
- Published minimum annual financial package: CAD 18,000 for eligible MEng students for two years.
- Published minimum annual financial package: CAD 22,000 for eligible Ph.D. students for four years.
- Real-world experimentation involving UAVs, vessels and icebreakers, flight-test platforms, simulators and harsh-environment facilities.
- Potential collaboration with government, industry and international research partners.
Eligibility summary
- Applicants from robotics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, control systems or closely related fields are encouraged.
- Candidates are not expected to have experience in every listed area; research potential, strong technical fundamentals and alignment with the programme are particularly valued.
- MEng applicants normally need a bachelor's degree with at least second-class or B standing in an appropriate field.
- Ph.D. applicants normally need a relevant Master's degree and must satisfy Memorial's doctoral admission requirements.
- The announcement welcomes qualified candidates and states no nationality restriction; Memorial's engineering funding information applies to academically eligible Canadian and international full-time students.
Requirements
- Email Professor De Silva for preliminary consideration and identify the preferred research theme and degree level.
- Demonstrate strong fundamentals, research potential and alignment with the Intelligent Systems Laboratory.
- Admission to the research MEng or Ph.D. route is conditional on a faculty member agreeing to supervise the applicant.
- If invited to proceed, complete Memorial University's formal graduate application and satisfy all programme and English-language requirements.
Documents required
- Curriculum vitae.
- Academic transcript.
- Brief description of research interests.
- Formal admission documents requested by Memorial University if selected to proceed.
Language/test requirements
How to submit applications
Provider: Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Faculty profile: https://www.mun.ca/engineering/about/our-people/oscar-de-silva/ Laboratory: https://www.mun.ca/engineering/research/centres-and-facilities/research-laboratories/mechanical-engineering/intelligent-systems-laboratory/ Programmes: https://www.mun.ca/become/graduate/programs-and-courses/engineering-and-applied-science/ Funding and research-degree FAQ: https://www.mun.ca/engineering/graduate/faq-for-prospective-research-students/
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