Do you love the idea of utilizing AI and robotics technologies to revolutionize sustainable farming practices? The Precision Crop Protection Lab, based at the University of Georgia (UGA), is currently offering a fully funded PhD position for a student to contribute to the research work that will start in Spring 2027. They are offering a full scholarship, including a lucrative stipend and tuition waiver. If you know anyone with an engineering or computer science degree and an ambition to innovate the world of agriculture, keep reading.

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About the Fully Funded PhD Position

The chosen candidate will be enrolled in the fully funded PhD Program in Biological and Agricultural Engineering program offered by UGA, whose research focus will be on AI-Integrated Robotics for Crop Biotic Stress Management, an innovative area of study involving machine learning, sensing technology, and robotics used for detecting and counteracting biological stressors affecting crops such as disease and pests.

The chosen research topic is conducted at the Precision Crop Protection Laboratory, which is associated with the School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering and Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia. Check out the laboratory’s activities HERE: https://site.caes.uga.edu/pcplab/

Why the University of Georgia?

UGA is one of the most respected research universities in the United States of America:

🏆 #46 among National Universities — U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges Rankings
🏛️ #19 among Top Public Schools — U.S. News & World Report 2026
Founded in 1785, UGA is one of the oldest public universities in the USA with a strong legacy in agriculture, biological sciences, engineering, and law
A vibrant, diverse student community with world-class research infrastructure

Fully Funded PhD Position Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline
Academic performance: Minimum cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 3.50 out of 4.00
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent research aptitude
Work ethic: Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and results-oriented with a hard-working mentality

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, the following will significantly strengthen your application:

Prior research experience in sensing systems, artificial intelligence, or robotics
Published research articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals

English Proficiency Requirements

For international applicants, the following minimum English proficiency scores are required:

IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0
TOEFL: Equivalent score accepted

Postdoc in Plant Cell Biology at Ghent University

How to Apply for the Fully Funded PhD?

Interested candidates should send an email directly to:

Dr. Md Sultan Mahmud via [email protected]

Subject line: “Prospective Student for Advertised GRA Position”

Include the following documents in your application email:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) – focused on Agricultural Robotics (maximum 1 page)
Unofficial academic transcripts
IELTS/TOEFL scores (for international applicants)
GRE scores (optional)
Published peer-reviewed articles (if applicable – first-author publications preferred)

The position will be filled immediately. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Know someone who’d be a great fit for the fully funded PhD?

This is an incredible chance for any engineer or computer scientist who wants to leave their mark on the field of AI, robotics, and sustainable agriculture. In case this doesn’t suit you but there’s someone you know who would be perfect for the job, please don’t hesitate to spread the word.

Get in touch with Dr. Mahmud or nominate someone you think should be applying!

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Fully Funded PhD Position FAQs

These FAQs are intended to help prospective applicants better understand the Graduate Research Assistant position at the Precision Crop Protection Laboratory, University of Georgia.

What is this opportunity about?

A: The opportunity is a fully funded PhD scholarship in the Precision Crop Protection Lab at the University of Georgia (UGA). The successful candidate will pursue a fully funded PhD degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, with research centered around the topic of AI-integrated robotics for crop biotic stress management.

Is this position fully funded?

Yes. The selected candidate will get a competitive monthly stipend and tuition fee waived completely for the entire period of the fully funded PhD program, contingent upon satisfactory academic and research performance.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline for the admission process is spring 2027. But since the position is going to be offered immediately when a suitable candidate is found, you are advised to apply sooner rather than later.

Where is UGA located?

UGA’s location is Athens, Georgia, USA. UGA ranks at #46 in terms of National Universities and #19 in terms of Top Public Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report (2026 Rankings).

What academic background is required?

Applicants must hold a BS or MS degree in one of the following (or a closely related field):

Agricultural Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Biosystems Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering

What is the minimum GPA requirement?

A minimum CGPA of 3.50 on a 4.00 scale is mandatory. Those applicants with CGPA scores lower than this will not be considered.

Is prior experience in AI or robotics required?

This is not absolutely necessary, but definitely recommended. Those candidates who have done research work related to sensing technologies, artificial intelligence, or robotics will certainly have an edge in the selection process.

Can applicants with a BS degree (without a Master’s) apply?

Certainly. Candidates who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an appropriate field of engineering can apply for the post, as long as they fulfill all other requirements.

Can international students apply?

Yes. We would love to receive applications from international students. UGA has a history of working with international researchers and graduate students.

What English proficiency scores are required?

The following minimum scores are required for international applicants:

IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0
TOEFL: An equivalent score is accepted

Applicants who do not meet these thresholds will not be considered for admission.

Is the GRE required?

No. GRE scores are optional. You may include them if you have taken the test and believe your scores strengthen your application, but they are not a prerequisite.

How do I apply?

Send an email to Dr. Md Sultan Mahmud at [email protected] with the subject line: “Prospective Student for Advertised GRA Position”

Include the following in your email:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Statement of Purpose (SOP), focused on Agricultural Robotics (max. 1 page)
Unofficial academic transcripts
IELTS/TOEFL scores (international applicants)
GRE scores (optional)
Published peer-reviewed articles (if applicable, first-author preferred)

Is there a formal application deadline?

No. Although there is no set deadline, as soon as the right person has been found for this role, they will be employed. Don’t miss out – apply as soon as you can!

Should my SOP be general or topic-specific?

Your statement should concentrate on agricultural robotics. State your passion for AI robots that are used to protect crops, the experience you have, and your research objectives clearly. It should not exceed one page.

Do I need to submit published papers?

Submission of papers is not necessary; however, presenting one, especially if you are the lead author in such papers, will help considerably improve your application and showcase your research skills.

What will my research focus on?

The core of your research should revolve around AI-integrated robotics for crop biotic stress management. This means coming up with intelligent robots that can detect, monitor, and manage biotic stress in crops through the use of artificial intelligence.

Where can I learn more about the lab?

Visit the Precision Crop Protection Laboratory’s official website: https://site.caes.uga.edu/pcplab/

Who will be my supervisor?

The job is under the supervision of Dr. Md Sultan Mahmud, whose institutional affiliations include School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, as well as the Department of Plant Pathology of UGA.

Have a question not covered here? Feel free to reach out directly to Dr. Mahmud at [email protected].

University of Georgia