Openings

Postdocs

Currently there is no postdoc opening. If you are interested in joining the group, please feel free to send Prof. Zhao your CV, a research interest description, a description of background fit, and 1-2 representative publications. Openings may be available in the future.

Graduate students

I am always looking for highly-motivated graduate students with a strong background in statistics and machine learning and interest in probabilistic risk assessment and decision making for safety-critical systems. If you find your background a good fit, please apply to the Reliability Engineering program at the University of Maryland and list Prof. Yunfei Zhao as the advisor you would like to work with.

Currently, multiple positions are available in the following areas.

  • Nuclear power plant accident scenario data analysis and visualization: use of machine learning to improve the analysis and visualization of large amounts of accident scenario simulation data; students having experience in machine learning and background in Nuclear/Mechanical/Industrial engineering or other related areas are encouraged to apply.
  • Cyber-physical system security: experimental and computational research on cyberattack detection, cyberattack response, and cyber-caused physical system risk analysis.
  • Risk-informed decision-making: use of probabilistic risk assessment to support system design and operation to improve efficiency, safety, and security.

Undergraduate students

The following position is available.

  • Position description
    • In this position, the student will collaborate with graduate students and other undergraduate students in Zhao Lab to develop advanced machine learning methods for dynamic probabilistic risk assessment of nuclear power plants. Specifically, the student will be involved in developing new algorithms and implementing the algorithms in Python and maybe other programming languages. The position is available for fall 2024 and can be extended based on performance.
  • Qualifications
    • Although the position is open to students studying all engineering disciplines, priority will be given to students with a background in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and other related areas. Priority will also be given to junior and senior students maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or above. Experience in programming will be preferred. Interest in nuclear energy research and graduate school will also be considered in the selection.
  • How to apply
    • If you are interested in this position, please contact Prof. Zhao at yzhao111@umd.edu with the subject line “Zhao Lab undergraduate research position application,” attaching your resume, transcript, and a short description of your research interest.