HAO Lab

Two Fully Funded PhD Positions in Resilient Systems

Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering | University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking two highly motivated PhD students to join Dr. Yuefeng Hao’s research group starting in Fall 2026.

Our group integrates earth system analytics and operations research to design resilient agriculture and critical infrastructure systems under climate uncertainty. We are building an end-to-end research pipeline and recruiting for two highly synergistic tracks. Please indicate your preference in your application:

• Track A (The “Front-End”): Coupled Earth-Human Systems Modeling. This track focuses on predictive analytics and risk quantification. The candidate will use process-based Earth System Models, Remote Sensing, and Machine Learning to model how severe environmental stressors impact human-natural systems, generating high-fidelity scenarios for downstream decision-making.
• Track B (The “Back-End”): Systems Optimization & Decision-Making. This track focuses on operations research (OR) and infrastructure resilience. The candidate will utilize optimization solvers to develop advanced mathematical programming and stochastic/robust optimization models, optimizing resource allocation, supply chains, and network design based on dynamic environmental boundary conditions.

Qualifications: Applicants should hold a B.S. or M.S. in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Earth/Environmental Science, Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering, Data Science, or a related quantitative field. We seek candidates with strong programming skills (Python, MATLAB) and a solid foundation in either predictive modeling/spatial data analysis (for Track A) or mathematical optimization/decision-making under uncertainty (for Track B).

How to Apply: Please email Dr. Hao at yhao12@utk.edu with the subject line “PhD Application – Fall 2026 – [Your Name] – [Track A or B]”. Attach a single PDF containing: (1) your CV including GPA and relevant test scores, (2) unofficial transcripts, and (3) a brief 1-page Statement of Interest describing your background and fit for the preferred track. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.